Route 8 Bridge Rehabilitation Near Potosi Nearing Completion, Reopening Expected by Mid-September

Washington Co., Mo. (KFMO) - Construction crews have reached another significant milestone in the rehabilitation of the Missouri Route 8 bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad in Washington County, near Potosi.

Contractor S & A Equipment & Builders, LLC, working for the Missouri Department of Transportation, has successfully poured the bridge deck on the second half of the bridge, marking another major step toward completing the project.

Crews will now focus on the remaining phases of construction, including pouring the concrete barrier wall, applying a protective coating to the bridge's steel girders, sealing the driving surface, installing guardrails, and completing pavement striping. Contractors estimate this work will be finished by the end of August.

Before the bridge reopens to normal two-way traffic, crews will apply a surface treatment to both sides of the bridge to improve ride quality for motorists. Temporary traffic signals will continue directing vehicles through the work zone until construction is complete.

MoDOT now anticipates reopening the bridge in early to mid-September 2026.

The rehabilitation project was originally expected to be completed in September 2025 but has experienced several delays over the past year. According to MoDOT, setbacks included worker injuries, construction stoppages requested by Union Pacific Railroad while work was taking place over the rail line, and other construction-related issues.

Motorists are encouraged to continue using caution when traveling through the work zone and to obey the temporary traffic signals until the project is fully completed.