Glasgow bridge opens to traffic Wednesday afternoon

After many delays, the newly renovated Missouri River bridge at Glasgow will open to traffic on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 23. It will be the first time vehicles have been on the bridge since the closing on Aug. 4, 2008, according to a news release from Missouri Department of Transportation.

"Tomorrow is the day MoDOT, citizens of Glasgow and the surrounding communities have been looking forward to with great anticipation," Construction Engineer Dennis Brucks said on Tuesday, Sept. 22. "We want to thank everyone for their support and patience during the past year to bring this innovative project to the community."

Although an exact time for the opening is not known, Brucks said the bridge will open to traffic before the ferry service stops operation at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday evening.

Motorists are advised to use caution as traffic is routed back onto the bridge. With the bridge being closed for such a long period of time, motorists have grown accustomed to not stopping for cross-traffic at the intersection on the east side of the bridge. Everyone will need to watch for vehicles coming across the bridge and from Route 87.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16, at 3:15 p.m. in Stump Island Park. Sen. Kit Bond, R-Missouri, and other state and local dignitaries will join the celebration.

MoDOT is seeking special VIPs, as well as other participants for the ceremony. Anyone who attended the celebration in 1925 when the original bridge opened to traffic is urged to contact MoDOT Customer Service toll-free at 1-888-275-6636. Also, any car or motorcycle clubs who would like to travel the new bridge together are welcome and are also asked to contact the toll-free number.

For more information and for new photos of the bridge construction visit http://www.modot.mo.gov/northcentral/gla...