Plans to Replace Route 43/Elk River Bridge in McDonald County Focus of Virtual Public Meeting

McDonald County – The public is invited to a virtual (online) public meeting starting Sunday, May 26, to learn more about plans for the Missouri Route 43 bridge over the Elk River in McDonald County, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

The meeting will be available for two weeks from Sunday, May 26, through Sunday, June 9, and can be accessed at the project webpage here.

Beginning the spring of 2025, contractors will demolish the current bridge and replace it with a new bridge that is 30 feet longer, six (6) feet wider and one (1) foot higher than the old bridge. The project also includes stabilizing the Elk River stream bank northeast of the bridge.

The current bridge was built in 1960 with approximately 1,500 vehicles a day crossing it. This bridge is in a deteriorating condition in need of frequent maintenance.

Those unable to access the online meeting are encouraged to contact MoDOT’s Southwest District Office at 417.895.7600 and accommodations will be made to share the information and gather feedback.

The project’s estimated total cost is $5.4 million.