U.S. DOT Grant Will Fund New Bridge and Traffic Management Centers Throughout Missouri

Federal Highway Administration
27 October 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Contact: Doug Hecox, 202-366-0660
FHWA 19-04b

Two new Federal Highway Administration grants worth more than $3.4 million will fund a new Missouri River bridge and help improve safety and mobility across Missouri, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta.

"These grants help solve congestion problems by improving inadequate infrastructure and making existing infrastructure work more efficiently," said Secretary Mineta. "As our economy continues driving ahead, the Bush Administration continues investing in common sense solutions that fuel opportunity and prosperity in communities across America."

The first grant, totaling $2,163,162, will go toward replacing the Highway 19 bridge that spans the Missouri River near Hermann. The bridge was built in 1922 and is in need of replacement to meet today's traffic demands, Secretary Mineta said.

The second grant, totaling $1,286,376, will fund additions and improvements to Missouri's traffic management centers. The centers are part of a statewide network that act to reduce traffic congestion and improve traffic flow through a number of technology solutions, such as better coordination of traffic signal timing.

"President Bush knows that transportation investments are helping to ensure that goods make it to store shelves, and that Missourians get to their jobs and home again safely and on time," said Federal Highway Administrator Mary E. Peters.