Residents affected by the prolonged closure of the 84th Street bridge are getting a clearer picture of when the crossing will reopen as replacement plans move toward construction.

Several community members recently appeared before the Ray County Commission seeking updates on the long-awaited replacement, prompting a presentation from Great River Engineering Project Engineer Zach Olivas.

Olivas outlined progress made since the county contracted with the firm in February and the remaining steps before construction can begin.

He explained the Missouri Department of Transportation’s reasonable progress guidelines allow approximately 17 months from contract to bidding for similar federally funded projects, while Great River Engineering is working toward completing that process in 11 to 12 months.

A geotechnical investigation is scheduled for November, followed by the anticipated completion of structural analysis and final plans in December. Construction bids are expected to go out in January or…