Clay County, Missouri, is celebrating the completion of two significant infrastructure projects on Nation Road, marking a major milestone in the county’s ongoing efforts to improve public safety and transportation. The projects involved stabilizing the streambank and realigning the roadway, as well as constructing a new bridge over Rock Creek.

Motivated by severe rains in 2022 that led to streambank erosion and the closure of Nation Road, county officials acted quickly to address the damage and prevent future issues. The improvements included reshaping and reinforcing the embankment, enhancing stormwater drainage systems, and relocating the roadway approximately 30 feet north to increase safety and durability for drivers.

The new bridge over Rock Creek replaces a nearly century-old structure originally built in 1925. The replacement is a modern steel girder bridge that is wider, longer, and sits higher than the previous span, making it more capable of handling current traffic volumes and better prepared to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Clay County Commissioner Jerry Nolte highlighted the long-term benefits of the projects, stating, “These improvements represent an investment in safety, resilience, and the long-term reliability of our county infrastructure. We truly appreciate the patience of residents during this project. Thanks to the careful planning and cooperation of our partners, we’ve rebuilt stronger and safer for the future.”

The design work was completed by Veenstra & Kimm, Inc., and construction was carried out by Decker Construction. Funding was made possible through $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Stormwater Grants. County officials expressed gratitude to community members, staff, and project partners for their dedication and teamwork in bringing these improvements to fruition.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.