Senate advances bill to expedite replacement of century-old Missouri bridge

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A bill to hasten the replacement of the Riverside Bridge in Ozark, Missouri, which was introduced by U.S. Sens. Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO), was voted through the Senate last week.

The century-old bridge has required a great deal of construction to keep it afloat. For five of the last seven years, it has been closed for repair. Blunt and McCaskill’s legislation calls for construction of an entirely new bridge adjacent to it.

“Replacing the bridge will provide a reliable travel route across this vital north-south connection over the Finley River,” Blunt said. “Strengthening Missouri infrastructure is one of my top priorities, and I will continue working to get this bill to the president’s desk.”

The issue is that statutory restrictions prevent construction in the area experts have identified as best suited for the new bridge. Therefore, the new legislation would eliminate that restriction.

“This is an important step for the families, commuters, and businesses who’ve been dealing with the enormous headache of flood-related closure for far too long,” McCaskill said.

Similar legislation has also been introduced into the House by U.S. Rep. Billy Long (R-MO).