Aurora overpass to be completed by June 2019

The new railroad overpass currently under construction on Highway 39 northwest of Aurora is now expected to be completed by the end of June 2019, a MoDOT representative told the Aurora City Council during their meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 8. The overpass was originally scheduled for completion by Feb. 28.
According to unofficial minutes from the meeting, the representative told the council the reason for the delays are “stringent requirements” handed down by the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad due to past problems from other jobs; the rumor that the bridge is “incorrect” is false. He also said there are additional requirements with each step of the construction, and there are reviews which go to consultants; each review can take up to 30 days to complete.
The representative added that once all the approvals have been received, the bridge would still have to be built, culvers would be added. He also said Carnation Street has been reopened, and promised MoDOT would give updates as information becomes available.
In other business, the council voted to pass an ordinance amending the city’s 2018 budget. They also passed resolutions authorizing separate agreements between the city and the Lawrence County Tax Collector, the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, the Aurora Historical Society and Main Street Aurora.
The council also passed separate resolutions authorizing an agreement between the city and Geocachers to place geocaches in Aurora city parks, the purchase of SUPER PASS 5 devices, and the disposal of specified items from the fire department.