Old Highway E Bridge (Wagon Bridge)
The Newton County Commission intends to improve the safety and efficiency of Old Highway E over Shoal Creek by constructing a new bridge on the existing alignment of the historic bridge. This project will consist of reconstructing the bridge by removing the existing closed spandrel arch bridge, roadway, and concrete balusters, and replacing them with a new concrete NU-girder bridge with a wider driving surface, concrete guardrail, and erosion control under the structure. This work will have an adverse effect on the existing Old Highway E Bridge, a property eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places because of its simple arch design and the construction techniques used representing the skilled workmanship of the early 20th century.
In consultation with the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office and the US Army Corp of Engineers, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for mitigation of the adverse effect will be developed and executed. The MOA calls for documentation of the historic bridge with archival photographs, historic narrative, and original bridge plans. This documentation is submitted to fulfill those requirements established MODOT guidelines for historic bridge mitigation.
In Compliance with Missouri State Historic Preservation Office, the County is requesting public involvement and comment regarding concerns of potential impact to human environment. In an effort to minimize these possible adverse effects to the public, Newton County request concerns by written letter be address to 101 South Wood, Suite 201, Neosho, MO 64850 and endorsed Old Highway E Bridge Replacement. Submissions will be accepted through July 17,2025.