Bridge reinforcement work taking longer than planned

Associated Press Photo — Efforts are still underway to reinforce the old Meridian Bridge linking Yankton County, S.D., and Cedar County, Neb.

The Associated Press

6/5/2008

YANKTON COUNTY, S.D. — Work to reinforce the old Meridian Bridge across the Missouri River at Yankton  County, S.D., is taking longer than expected.

That could mean the bridge won't be closed to all traffic on Monday, as originally planned. Once closed, however, the bridge could be out of service for as long as 10 days.

The bridge serves as U.S. 81 and links Yankton County with Cedar County, Neb.

A new Missouri River bridge is being built nearby.

A 10-ton weight limit was placed on the old bridge in May, detouring large vehicles to bridges at Vermillion and Niobrara, Neb., to cross the river.

Once the old bridge is completely closed for repairs, vehicles under 10 tons will still be able to use the road across Gavins Point Dam.