WESTPHALIA — Former Western District Commissioner Larry Kliethermes, who was instrumental in moving forward the new Westphalia Bridge project, cut the ribbon on Wednesday, Oct. 14, celebrating the replacement of the Pentecostal Bridge on CR 611.

Then he did it again.

The first cut was captured in photographs, but a television reporter missed the moment, prompting a second round with the oversized scissors and red ribbon.

The gathering marked completion of the project more than six years after the old bridge collapsed, closing the crossing over the Maries River. Current and former county officials, project representatives, and community members gathered on the new bridge for the celebration.

Presiding Commissioner Darryl Griffin thanked neighboring property owners for working with the county on easements and rights-of-way needed for the changes.

The new bridge opened to traffic on Sept. 24, with Western District Commissioner Dale Logan driving Mary Ann Klebba across, making her the first person to cross it.

Gene Haile Excavating constructed the bridge, with engineering services provided by Bartlett & West.

The project totaled approximately $2.9 million, including engineering and construction, according to figures Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) Jonie Prenger presented to commissioners on Oct. 13. Federal funding contributed $1,368,811.93, leaving a local share of $1,526,306.38. The county received $1.5 million in insurance proceeds, which earned $227,797.20 in interest, enough to cover the local share.

The replacement moved into the bidding stage in September 2025, when commissioners confirmed MoDOT’s final approval and voted to advertise for bids beginning on Sept. 10, with an Oct. 9 bid opening.

The old Pentecostal Bridge’s main span was constructed in 1893 by the Kansas City Bridge Co., with pony trusses added in 1902 by the Interstate Bridge Co.

The bridge had reopened following repairs earlier in 2020. At the Feb. 4, 2020, commission meeting, Road & Bridge Foreman Ron Kempker reported that truck signs had been posted at both ends. “Hopefully, we won’t have a semi going across a five-ton bridge,” Kempker said.

On Aug. 17, it happened. A tractor-trailer became stuck at its approach. According to the sheriff’s office’s account at the time, the driver had been following GPS directions while delivering feed and non-toxic materials to Nutra Ag, formerly the Westphalia Mill. Missouri Highway Patrol troopers estimated the cargo alone weighed at least 20 tons, four times the bridge’s posted five-ton limit, before accounting for the truck and trailer.

As the driver attempted to back up, the truck’s brush guard clipped an I-beam, causing the bridge to collapse. The tractor plunged approximately 30 feet into the water, while the trailer remained caught at the west end. The driver was uninjured and climbed the hill to the roadway.