Preparations begin for Missouri Route 79 bridge replacement in Hannibal; Sodalis Nature Trail to close through fall 2024

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Preparations are in place for preliminary work to begin on a bridge replacement project located on Missouri Route 79 over Bear Creek, Norfolk Southern Railroad and Warren Barrett Drive, 0.4 miles north of Route T in Hannibal in Marion County.

Work will begin Wednesday, Nov. 15, including surveying, clearing and grubbing, the construction of a work pad and foundation inspection holes for the drilled shafts. While preliminary work will have no impacts to traffic, the closure of the Sodalis Nature Trail, within the project limits, will be necessary until the project is completed next fall.  Substantial work on the bridge replacement will begin later this year or early 2024.

A public information meeting will be scheduled in early 2024 for residents to learn more about the project. Traffic impacts are not anticipated until spring 2024 when Missouri Route 79 is anticipated to close for a period of 180 days while major construction occurs.

KCI Construction Company was awarded the contract last month for $12.4 million.