Berry Road Bridge Reopens After More Than a Decade

St. Francois Co., Mo. (KFMO) - Construction is now complete, and the new Berry Road Bridge in St. Francois County is officially open to traffic. The original bridge was closed and demolished back in 2013, leaving residents waiting more than a decade for a replacement.

Work on the new structure began in May 2025, after the St. Francois County Commission secured funding to make the long-awaited project possible. The bridge’s completion marks a major goal achieved for county officials.

The bridge was originally expected to open at the beginning of October. However, a late September storm delayed crews from laying asphalt after heavy rain saturated the ground at the site.

Presiding Commissioner Harold Gallaher says another issue also caused a brief delay.

The $4 million project was largely funded through grants, making it a significant infrastructure improvement with limited local cost. The Berry Road Bridge reopening reconnects a key route for residents and improves access for emergency services and local traffic.