Jackson Ave. Bridge Replacement over Shoal Creek

The structurally deficient Jackson Avenue low water bridge was narrow, overtopped frequently, and needed replaced. The outdated bridge had frequent repairs performed. The one-lane bridge necessitated a replacement structure for increased area traffic flow. An engineering firm was required to design improvements for a new structure to improve area safety and accessibility.

Newton County hired Allgeier Martin (AMA) to design a replacement structure. As part of the design, AMA worked with the Newton County Commission and the City of Joplin to provide alternate design considerations for public review and comment. Because of the nostalgic value of the existing 100-year-old low water bridge, two public hearings were held. These hearings determined whether to construct a new bridge on existing alignment or new alignment.

First public hearing: the public was presented with location, geometric and cost consideration options.

Second public hearing: the public was presented with final location & geometry of new structure as requested during the first public hearing.

The public chose to build the new bridge on new alignment and repurpose the existing low water bridge for pedestrian use. AMA was retained to administer and inspect the construction of the new bridge and roadway.