A new bridge in LaPlata opens today. According to a MoDOT release, this afternoon motorists will have the opportunity to drive across the new bridge that has been constructed on Macon County Route D in LaPlata, located just off U.S. Route 63 over the BNSF Railroad. Even though the bridge will be open to motorists, there will be times of intermittent closures so that crews can finish earthwork and seeding. A MoDOT engineer say the new bridge is much safer for the over 2000 vehicles a day that travel across it, as well as the pedestrians that use it. The new bridge is 28 feet wide, which is 6 feet wider than the previous one, and has additional safety features. This bridge is included in Governor Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. The cost for this project is nearly $2,000,000.