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Ray County and MoDOT press Union Pacific to repair knocked‑down Lawson bridge
Summary
After a public forum with residents and Missouri Department of Transportation officials, Ray County commissioners passed a resolution calling on Union Pacific Railroad to repair the W. 216th Bridge in Lawson, which residents say was knocked down by the railroad in July 2024 and has created safety and access problems.
Ray County commissioners passed a resolution urging Union Pacific Railroad to repair the W. 216th Bridge in Lawson following a public forum with Missouri Department of Transportation officials and affected residents.
MoDOT representatives Alex Seda and Ravi Neupane attended a March 12 meeting to gather resident feedback after the bridge was knocked down on July 17, 2024. Residents described the loss of the bridge as significantly affecting daily travel, safety and access, leaving the area with a single point of entry and exit. Commissioner Max Hockemeier moved to approve a county resolution asking Union Pacific to repair the bridge; Commissioner Bobby Don Davis seconded the motion and it carried 3‑0. The commission also approved sharing the resolution with the press.
MoDOT officials said they were collecting information to prepare a response to Union Pacific; commissioners and residents said they expect the railroad to assume responsibility for repair because of the damage. The resolution reflects the county’s formal request to the railroad; the minutes do not record specific enforcement steps or a timeline for repair.
Next steps: MoDOT will incorporate resident input into communications with Union Pacific; the county will distribute the resolution to the press and stakeholders.
