Marshall to seek money for Eastwood Street viaduct

The Marshall City Council agreed Monday night to proceed with the application for a state grant to fund replacement of the Eastwood Street "viaduct" just east of the city limits.

The two bridges, which span railroad tracks and a creek, were closed in April 2005 because of deteriorating substructure, forcing people who live on the county road east of Marshall to take a detour on Highway 240 to get into town.

"That bridge has been a route into Marshall for many years," said Mayor Connie Latimer. "I would hate to deprive anybody of that (route)."

Replacement cost has been estimated at $2 million.

The grant will seek $1.6 million from the Missouri Department of Transportation Bridge Replacement Municipalities program.

Saline County and the Marshall Special Road District (MSRD) have been approached by the city about sharing the balance of the costs for the project. Because the grant program is available only to municipalities, the city of Marshall has to make the application and will have to annex the bridges.

Latimer said she has gotten confirmation from MSRD that it will contribute to the project but has not yet gotten a commitment from Saline County.

Everything hinges on the grant, she said. "Without the grant, we can't rebuild the bridges."

Contact Eric Crump at

marshallfaith@socket.net