Cape County to repair County Road 401 Bridge

CAPE COUNTY, Mo. (KBSI)– A bridge replacement project on County Road 401 is set to move forward in a partnership with Perry County.

The current bridge has a 5 ton load limit, making it impossible for the heavy agricultural traffic in the area, including grain trucks and farm equipment to pass through the back roads.

Stephen Daume, Associate Commissioner of Cape County, says that the bridge has been on the replacement list for several years due to its limitations. “It’s finally our turn to replace it,” he says.

The bridge, pivotal to local farmers who operate on both sides, has become a major conversation.

“If the bridge wasn’t there or had to be closed, it would add 12 to 15 miles to their drive time,” Daume discusses.  “That could mean an extra hour or more of travel for farm implements moving at only 15 miles per hour.”

In addition to serving local agriculture, the area is home to Apple Creek wineries, attracting many weekend tourists. Daume says that the project’s timely completion is pivotal, especially with harvest season approaching.

Construction is already in motion. “The beams for the new bridge have been ordered,” Daume says. “We’re hoping to start construction in about two weeks, depending on when the materials arrive.”

The project looks to improve the bridge’s load cap before this year’s harvest, helping travel time for both farmers and visitors.