Liberty to Replace 100-Year-Old Richfield Road Bridge in $2 Million Project

The city is working with Missouri DOT to upgrade the aging structure and improve flood safety.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The City of Liberty, Missouri is moving forward with plans to remove and replace the 100-year-old Richfield Road Bridge, which has been rated in poor condition. The $2 million project will be funded through a combination of city and federal sources, including a Surface Transportation Block Grant. The new bridge will be longer and raised above the floodplain to prevent water from topping it during heavy rain events.

Why it matters

The Richfield Road Bridge serves residents across the area, and city officials say it is critical to address the aging structure's poor condition. The project will improve safety and flood resilience for drivers who rely on the crossing.

The details

The existing bridge crosses Rush Creek and is located just over one mile east of the Richfield Road and Route H intersection. When inspected in 2021, the bridge was rated in poor condition and recommended for replacement. The new bridge will be longer than the current structure and raised above the floodplain elevation to prevent water from topping it during flood events.

  • The city began design work on the replacement bridge in 2023.
  • Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in the summer of 2027.
  • The project is expected to take between 100 and 120 days to complete.

The players

Sherri McIntyre

Liberty's public works director.

Scott McDonald

Project manager for Veenstra & Kimm, the engineering firm overseeing the bridge replacement.

Doug Walker

A resident who lives next to the Richfield Road Bridge.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's critical that we look at fixing this.”

— Sherri McIntyre, Liberty public works director (kshb.com)

“We're able to elevate the road and provide a structure that allows for safe passage during a 100-year flood event in this area.”

— Scott McDonald, Project manager, Veenstra & Kimm (kshb.com)

“Well, I was surprised the bridge cost $2 million. That's a shocker.”

— Neighbor (kshb.com)

“Coming out of our driveway, we can't turn left to go to town anymore. We have to take about a two-or-three-mile detour.”

— Doug Walker, Resident (kshb.com)

“It'll be a big safety improvement. It's progress.”

— Doug Walker, Resident (kshb.com)

What’s next

The city held a public hearing to share its plans with residents, and construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in the summer of 2027.

The takeaway

This $2 million project to replace the aging Richfield Road Bridge will improve safety and flood resilience for drivers in the area, though the extended road closure and detour will cause significant inconvenience during construction.