MoDOT inspects state bridges, posts findings to Web

Inspections began Aug. 2 and are expected to take five weeks, during which the department will collect its information on a publicly accessible Web site.

The site this morning posted this statement: “At this time, there is no reason to believe any Missouri bridges are unsafe. The state’s bridges are inspected every other year – more often if necessary.”

Each bridge will be examined by engineers using a Snooper truck, equipped with a huge mechanical arm and platform that carries inspectors over and under the bridge for close-up looks at the structure’s underside, according to a MoDOT news release.

“These inspections are strictly precautionary following the terrible tragedy in Minneapolis,” MoDOT Director Pete Rahn said in a news release. “We just don’t want to take any chances.”

The Web page notes that Missouri has 55 major river bridges, the most of any state. The only deck arch truss bridge in Missouri is the Hurricane Deck Bridge on State Highway 5 at Lake of the Ozarks in Camden County.