Initial discussions suggested a bridge replacement might cost roughly $250,000, but engineering estimates presented to Ray County Commissioners now place the project closer to $600,000 to $700,000.

The updated figures were presented alongside a proposed $131,200 engineering contract covering preliminary design and construction administration services. Great River Engineering Project Manager Zachary Olivas and Vice President Lindsey

Chaffin explained the project would follow a two-phase process, beginning with design, permitting and right-of-way coordination before moving into construction oversight. If funded locally and completed as outlined, the county could later seek a 80% soft-match credit from Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to apply toward future BRO bridge projects.

Services would include attending a pre-construction conference, reviewing shop drawings, preparing change orders if necessary, sampling and testing materials such as concrete and documenting daily progres…