Mule Ditch Bridge on County Rd. 436 closed due to water damage

The Mule Ditch Bridge, located on County Road 436 has been closed due to unsafe conditions as a result of water damage.

Stoddard County Emergency Management Director Beau Bishop explained the bridge itself appears to be fine.

“I got contacted early Monday morning by Duck Creek Township Road Department Supervisor Matt Taylor, telling me they were going to have to close that bridge,” Bishop explained. “I went out and looked at it, and the bridge appears to be fine, but there is water rushing through the retaining wall on the west side of the bridge.”

Bishop went on to explain that the heavy flow of water rushing behind the retaining wall appears to be causing that part of the road to collapse.

“I don’t know how heavily traveled that road is, but I imagine the bridge closure will cause some inconvenience for at least a few people,” Bishop remarked. “I haven’t been given a timeline on when it will be fixed yet.”

Bishop said people may find information about the status of the road by either calling the Duck Creek Township office at 573-222-6033 or by calling Bishop at 573-614-5155.