Bridge closure planned during O’Fallon’s earthquake training

On Thursday, Feb. 7,  the city of O’Fallon’s Public Works Department will participate in the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut earthquake drill, which will be held from 8 a.m. until noon. During the drill, Public Works staff will respond as though an actual earthquake has occurred, inspecting bridges, overpasses, and box culverts throughout the city.

As part of the drill, Sonderen Bridge will be closed for a short time at about 10 a.m. The bridge spans Belleau Creek in the Whispering Woods subdivision and is located on Sonderen Street between Veterans Memorial Parkway and Mexico Road. Detour routes and message boards will be set up to alert drivers.

“ShakeOut drills give us a chance to practice together and prepare for earthquakes,” said Police Officer Andrew Stowers with the Police Department’s Emergency Management Division. “In a severe earthquake, our city’s infrastructure could be affected, and it will be important to determine as quickly as we can if our bridges and overpasses are safe for use. We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of our residents as we participate in this important drill.”

For information on general earthquake preparedness and the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut drill, visit the O’Fallon Police Department’s Emergency Management Web page, www.ofallon.mo.us/PD/emergency-management.