SIKESTON, Mo. -- The U.S. 61 bridge over Apple Creek in Perry County opened to traffic Tuesday. This is the 500th bridge completed through the Missouri Department of Transportation's Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program. Work to replace the bridge began June 13. The statewide Safe & Sound program is averaging more than one bridge opening per day. For more information, contact regional field engineer Andy Meyer at 573-472-5296, assistant resident engineer David Wyman at 573-840-9781 or 888-275-6636. More information about the Safe & Sound program is also available at www.modot.org/southeast/safeandsound.htm.