Highway 54 overpass needs long-term repairs, but is safe to use

Area Engineer for the Southwest District of the Missouri Department of Transportation Danny Roeger explained that the concrete slabs in this photo were installed when the bridge was constructed. “They are not a structural item, but are used to keep the slope from eroding under the bridge.”

Photo by Kelly Key | Daily Mail

Photos recently shared through social media have some people questioning the integrity of the bridge that crosses the railroad tracks on East Austin Boulevard (Highway 54) in Nevada. Similar photos, shown here, show wood blocks and shims that appear to be propping up the east end of the structure, along with concrete slabs that have either fallen through or are cracked and pushed up and away from their original location.

While the wood blocks, shims and concrete slabs might appear to be a sign the bridge is unsafe, MoDOT Engineer Danny Roeger assures that this is not the case.

“This bridge has caught some attention recently and a few individuals have reached out to us,” Roeger explained. “To address any concerns about the structural integrity, yes, the bridge is safe to use.” He said the steps taken are normal and are a “short-term remediation to address the current condition of the bridge to keep the bridge safe and usable until an upcoming project in 2021.”

MoDOT Engineer Danny Roeger said the solid oak blocks placed at the ends of the overpass are a short-term measure to keep the overpass safe until an upcoming project for repair begins, and that the use of the wood blocks for this purpose is normal.

Photo by Kelly Key | Daily Mail

According to Roeger, deterioration has occurred to the point that MoDOT crews have “installed steel plates over a poor expansion joint, installed additional steel supports, and placed solid oak blocks as shoring at the bridge ends.” The repairs were made to keep the bridge safe for use until the full rehab project. “In addition, the bridge is being inspected every three months instead of the typical 24-months, to ensure that any unsafe conditions are addressed right away.”