Yankton Bridge load limits concern

A 10-ton limit on the Meridian Bridge over the Missouri River in northeast Nebraska has forced truckers to take long detours, and the entire span will be closed for several weeks so repairs can be finished. A Yankton, SD official says all of this is costing truckers money and hurting business. Acting city manager Al Viereck says it’s costly for truckers to have to go 30 to 40 miles out of their way and double that to come back again.

Last week, the Nebraska Department of Roads said Jensen Construction, contractor for the new bridge that will replace the Meridian Bridge, has declined to do repair work on the older span. The department says a new contractor is being sought for that work.