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New Hurricane Deck Bridge open in Sunrise Beach

Lee Anne Denyer
/
KBIA

The new Hurricane Deck Bridge serving Lake of the Ozark in Sunrise Beach is open to traffic. Hundreds of area residents joined with regional and state leaders in Sunrise Beach Saturday morning to celebrate the bridge's opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Sunrise Beach resident Cindy Rooney says she crossed the old bridge every day for six years before she retired, and she's happy to see it replaced.

“I used to roll my windows down and take my seatbelt off because I was worried about crossing the bridge, but no, it’s great. We’re going to love it. We’ve been waiting for it for a long time," said Rooney.

Local officials stood alongside hundreds of community members Saturday to hear speeches, see a classic-car parade and make toasts.

Officials from Parsons Corporation and the American Bridge Company joined with the Central Missouri District Management Team from the Missouri Department of Transportation, to celebrate the completion of the thirty two point three million dollar project. Project manager Nicole Hood says she is thrilled with the result.      

“Everyone’s excited about having a new bridge. it’s going to provide for additional economic development. It’s improving safety," Hood said. "It’s just a great day to be able to have a ribbon cutting for a new bridge, and I think the community was excited about it.”

The new bridge features wider driving lanes and new shoulders on either side. The old bridge is due to be demolished in the coming months.