How many bridges is Clay County responsible for?
How is the Highway Department funded?
Who inspects the bridges on Clay County roads?
What happens if a bridge doesn’t meet state standards?
Does Clay County pay the full cost of replacing substandard bridges?
Are bridges ever replaced for other reasons?
How do I report damaged bridges or other problems?
Q. How many bridges is Clay County responsible for?
A. Clay County is responsible for building, repairing and maintaining 66 bridges on County roads in unincorporated Clay County.
Bridges on Missouri highways with number or letter names, US highways, and Interstate highways are the responsibility of the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Bridges on city streets are the responsibility of that city. (back)
Q. How is the Highway Department funded?
A. The Highway Department budget is limited to the funds allocated by the County Commission each year and to additional revenue received through MoDOT from state and federal funding. Commission funding is obtained through sales taxes in Clay County and the Highway Department also receives 1/3 of the use tax collected in Clay County. Additionally, the Road & Bridge tax collected in Clay County is partially allocated to cities and special road districts with the remainder allocated to the Highway Department. (back)
Q. Who inspects the bridges on Clay County roads?
A. MoDOT inspects all the bridges in Clay County every other year to be sure they meet state safety standards. MoDOT determines what repairs, if any, need to be made and whether or not a bridge must be replaced. The MoDOT inspector determines if a bridge can remain open until repairs are made or if the bridge must be closed due to safety concerns. (back)
Q. What happens if a bridge doesn’t meet state standards?
A. If a bridge doesn’t meet safety standards, Clay County is responsible for repairing or replacing the bridge based on MoDOT’s determination. In the past few years, MoDOT has required several County bridges to be replaced due to deterioration or flood damage. The Highway Department is in the process of obtaining engineering plans for each bridge and submitting them to MoDOT for approval. Contractors on each job will be overseen by the Highway Department. (back)
Q. Does Clay County pay the full cost of replacing substandard bridges?
A. No. Clay County applies for partial funding from MoDOT under several different programs. Federal funding pays part of the cost of replacing bridges (usually 80%) and Clay County must pay the balance. (back)
Q. Are bridges ever replaced for other reasons?
A. Yes. Some of the oldest bridges in Clay County are narrow and/or have low-weight ratings so that even school busses cannot use those bridges. These bridges will be replaced as funds for engineering and construction become available. These replacements are funded by Clay County and through MoDOT using state and federal funding. (back)
Q. How do I report damaged bridges or other problems?
A. You may call the Highway Department to report problems with bridges or roads. (back)