Carthage, Mo. — The City of Carthage recently held a special bridge meeting that began in the City Council Chambers and continued through an on‑site bridge tour, bringing together the City’s Bridge Committee and key local and state stakeholders to review the condition of several aging bridges and discuss potential funding opportunities.
The meeting included remarks from Bridge Committee Chair and City Councilmember Derek Peterson, who outlined the current condition of the City’s bridges and explained how Carthage has reached this point due to aging infrastructure, inspection findings, and long‑term funding challenges.
Attendees included Jasper County Commissioner Jimmy Morris, Senator Jill Carter, Missouri State Representatives Cathy Jo Loy and Lane Roberts, and Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) officials Matt Geiger, Southwest District Bridge Engineer, and Joseph DiCiolla, LPA Program Manager.
During the meeting, Matt Geiger explained the federal bridge inspection process and shared current inspection findings. MoDOT also presented information on the Bridge Replacement Off‑System (BRO) Program, which provides access to federal funds allocated to each state for eligible bridge replacement projects. Awards may range from $500,000 to $1 million per project, depending on eligibility and statewide priorities. The northernmost Garrison Avenue bridges were identified as qualifying under the Large Bridge Emerging Need category, a statewide funding pool for large and emergent bridge projects.
As the meeting continued into the field, Public Works Director Josiah Bayless and Councilmember Derek Peterson led participants on a bridge tour, pointing out significant structural damage and deterioration observed during inspections.
A total of eight bridges were discussed, including the three North Garrison Avenue bridges built in 1928:
· Over the North Fork of the Spring River — closed February 2026; estimated cost $11.25 million
· Over the South Fork of the Spring River and Railroad — closed February 2026; estimated cost $13.3 million; requires an underwater dive inspection scheduled by MoDOT for 2028
· Over Claxton Street — currently rated 3, the lowest rating before mandatory closure; estimated cost $10.85 million
Additional bridges discussed included Oak Street, Sycamore Street, Walnut Street, McGregor Street, and High Street.
City officials noted the meeting was an important step in coordinating with state and local partners, understanding available funding mechanisms, and planning next steps to address critical bridge infrastructure needs while ensuring public safety.
Additional updates will be shared as funding opportunities are pursued.
Pictured Senator Jill Carter asking questions to gain a clearer understanding of potential state-level actions and resources.
Over the North Fork of the Spring River — closed February 2026; estimated cost $11.25 million
Photos from the original construction of the North Garrison bridges in 1928
During the meeting, Matt Geiger, MoDOT Southwest District Bridge Engineer explained the federal bridge inspection process and shared current inspection findings.
MoDOT also presented information on the Bridge Replacement Off‑System (BRO) Program, which provides access to federal funds allocated to each state for eligible bridge replacement projects. Awards may range from $500,000 to $1 million per project, depending on eligibility and statewide priorities. The northernmost Garrison Avenue bridges were identified as qualifying under the Large Bridge Emerging Need category, a statewide funding pool for large and emergent bridge projects.
Over the South Fork of the Spring River and Railroad — closed February 2026; estimated cost $13.3 million; requires an underwater dive inspection scheduled by MoDOT for 2028
Over Claxton Street — currently rated 3, the lowest rating before mandatory closure; estimated cost $10.85 million
