08/12/2026
RAUM BRIDGE & PROJECT UPDATES — FALL 2026
LAWSON, MO — The City of Lawson continues to move forward on several important infrastructure projects throughout the community, including the long-awaited Raum Bridge replacement, sidewalk improvements along Raum Road, and future trail connections. While progress has been slower than anticipated, the City remains committed to seeing these projects through to completion.
Raum Bridge Project
As of mid-August 2026, the City and its engineering firm, Olsson, have completed 15 rounds of plan revisions with the railroad as part of the Raum Bridge approval process.
Each time the City submits revised plans, the railroad's review process takes a minimum of five weeks. Any requested changes are then sent to Olsson, the City's engineering firm, for revisions. Once those changes are incorporated, the plans are resubmitted to the railroad for another round of review.
To date, each submission has resulted in additional revisions being requested, restarting the five-plus-week review cycle.
The requested changes have included a variety of technical and design-related items, including fencing materials, land acquisition, drainage, and roadway alignment. While many of these items are relatively minor individually, addressing them one at a time through the railroad's review process has resulted in significant delays to the overall project timeline.
City Administrator Stan Dobbins expressed his frustration with the process.
“Our frustration is that there doesn't seem to be adequate oversight of the railroad's review process. There are no clear timelines or accountability for these reviews, and the City is ultimately at the mercy of the railroad's approval before we can move forward. We continue to do everything within our control to keep the project moving.”
Despite the challenges, the City and its engineering team continue to work through each round of revisions with the goal of obtaining the necessary railroad approval and moving the project into the next phase.
Raum Road Sidewalk Project
While the bridge project remains in the railroad approval process, the City is also moving forward with a separate sidewalk project along Raum Road.
This project will create a pedestrian connection from D Highway to the Raum Bridge and the newly paved walking trail at Lawson City Lake, providing residents with a safer and more connected route for walking and recreation.
The project is funded through a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant awarded to the City in 2023.
Grant-funded projects often involve extensive administrative and regulatory requirements before construction can begin. Each grant has its own timeline, requirements, and approval process, which means that receiving a grant does not mean construction can begin immediately.
Future Sidewalk Improvements
The City has also already been awarded another TAP grant that will extend the sidewalk network along Raum Road from North Raum to the DG Market.
While the funding has been secured, residents should be aware that construction is not expected to begin for approximately 18–24 months. This timeline is typical of grant-funded infrastructure projects and allows time for engineering, design, permitting, bidding, and other required steps.
How Grant Funding Works
One important aspect of these projects that is often misunderstood is how grant reimbursement works.
When the City receives a grant, the City is responsible for paying the upfront costs of the project, including contractors, engineering firms, materials, and other project expenses. Once eligible work has been completed and the required documentation has been submitted, the City is reimbursed for the grant-funded portion of the project.
Depending on the specific grant, reimbursement typically covers approximately 50–80% of the project's total eligible costs, meaning the City must plan and budget carefully to cover both the upfront expenses and its required local match.
These funding requirements, combined with the engineering, permitting, railroad, and other regulatory processes, contribute to the extended timelines associated with major infrastructure projects.
Stay Informed
The City understands that residents are eager to see the Raum Bridge project completed and appreciates the community's patience as the City works through the various requirements outside of its direct control.
Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to attend Lawson City Council meetings, which are held at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month. City Administrator Stan Dobbins provides regular updates on the Raum Bridge and other major infrastructure projects during these meetings.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 24, at 6:30 p.m.
The City of Lawson remains committed to improving connectivity, safety, and quality of life throughout our community—and to keeping residents informed every step of the way.
