Mayor dedicates bridge for northwest Branson

Branson Mayor Lou Schaefer officially opened the new Shepherd of the Hills Expressway Bridge on the northwest side of Branson Sept. 4.

According to remarks made by the mayor, giant metal arches were designed to span the railroad, enabling the construction of the bridge. The arches, designed by the city of Branson Engineering Department, were the largest metal arch project ever built in the United States, the mayor said.

"Another unique aspect of the project is the traffic signal at the end of the bridge. Only California uses the same state-of-the-art electronic signal. The light won't burn out like a typical traffic signal, and the power consumption is so low the city will have large electric cost savings in the future," Schaefer said.

The design engineer was Transystems, with West Plains Bridge and Grading and Ellis Construction serving as contractors.

Schaefer said, "This new thoroughfare relieves traffic throughout the northern half of Branson and will help to further alleviate congestion, shorten trip times and expand opportunities for increased economic development in the entire area."