Eastwood bridge project one step closer to reality

Cracked and crumbling concrete in this August 2006 photograph of the Eastwood Street bridge over Salt Fork Creek shows the kind of deterioration that led state transportation officials to condemn the two bridges.
(Eric Crump/Democrat-News)

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The ordinance authorized Mayor Connie Latimer to sign a contract with Union Pacific Railroad Company, which gives the city easement on the railroad's property. After the mayor signs the contract, the railroad must sign it. The agreement will then go to the city's engineers and then MoDOT. Only after all those steps are completed will the project be put up for bid.

Mayor Latimer cautioned that taking this next step in the process does not mean construction on the bridge will begin anytime soon. But, she said, "We're a whole lot closer than we've been for the last three years."

The bridge project has been delayed because of lack of follow-through and red tape on the railroad's end, Latimer said.

"I look forward to it being finished," Latimer said. "It's been a long time coming."

No other council business was discussed at the meeting. The council's next regularly scheduled meeting is Monday, March 16, at 5:15 p.m. in the city office building.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net