Mason Bridge reopens, repairs to damages continue

By Shari Harris, Publisher

Flooding on November 5 led to damage to the roadway at Mason Bridge on Highway 32 west of Licking, as well as to numerous other county roads and bridges, campgrounds and low lying structures. Even in properties not located near waterways, basements flooded and crawlspaces filled with water. Area residents continue to make progress in their recovery.

Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) representatives evaluated Mason Bridge after the river receded, and though the bridge was found to be sound, the approach to the bridge from the east needed extensive work and a guardrail had to be replaced. The bridge remained closed through Friday, November 15, as crews hauled loads of rock and gravel to fill in the north side of the roadbed where it had completely washed away. Pavement repairs also had to be completed before the bridge could be reopened to traffic.

As of Tuesday morning, November 19, the guardrail had not yet been replaced. The task may prove to be difficult, setting it through the yards of rock and gravel they used to rebuild the side of the road. Commuters are relieved it is open, and are using caution where cones are currently taking the place of the guardrail.

The Resort at Boiling Springs received some damage as well. A cabin they had hoped to restore was swept away in the flood, along with one camper trailer which had not been evacuated. Another trailer was removed at 2:30 a.m., according to Natalie Comer, owner of the campground. They were planning to remove their bus, but waters rose too quickly. By 3:30 a.m., water was to the windows of the bus, and the river crested about four feet over the top of the bus, which was pushed up against a tree, but not swept away. The water reached the bottom of the deck posts at their store. The bandstand received damage, there were electrical repairs to make, and the swimming pool filled with brown mud and water. But they were making good progress with repairs and cleaning up debris, with neighbors and friends lending a hand. Wayne Bowker, a previous owner, was a big help with cleanup, and Gary Brandon brought a meal to fuel their work. The contributions of many were appreciated by the Comers.

Riverside cabins flooded, as did basements and crawl spaces all across the area. Many local residents continue to work to remove water, dry possessions, and see what can be salvaged and what has to go. It could be many weeks before the flood of November 5, 2024, is truly in the rearview mirror.

Photos by Shari Harris