HARDIN – Bridge work on Route J over Crooked River is underway, forcing the road to close for the next three months.

The plan is to replace the bridge deck and improve the approaches, Missouri Department of Transportation spokesman Markl T. Johnson said.

The work will require closing Route J, between Shotwell and Missouri River roads through Dec. 1, depending on weather conditions. Detour signs will be posted.

In October, Gov. Mike Parson visited the bridge to discuss the need for replacement under the Focus on Bridges program. The program provides $351 million to repair or replace 250 bridges across Missouri, MoDOT information states.

Based on MoDOT bid letting information published in the 2019 Road and Bridge Program plan, the deck replacement surface is expected to cost $784,000.