Howell County Parking Garage Sections Closed Due to Falling Concrete
Officials in Howell County, MO, have closed sections of the parking garage at the Howell County Office Building in West Plains after concrete chunks, some described as softball-sized, fell from the ceiling. Engineering assessments indicate structural deterioration due to age…
Springfield, MO, October 4, 2026 — Officials in Howell County, Missouri, have taken measures to close sections of the parking garage located at the Howell County Office Building in West Plains. The decision follows the occurrence of concrete falling from the garage’s ceiling, with some detached pieces described as being as large as softballs.
The affected areas of the parking structure have been restricted to traffic as a precautionary measure. Engineering assessments have been conducted to determine the cause and extent of the structural issues. Preliminary findings from these assessments point to structural deterioration.
The deterioration is attributed to the aging of the facility combined with the presence of salt residue. This combination reportedly leads to rust and cracking of the steel reinforcement embedded within the concrete structure.
Currently, the county is in the process of evaluating the necessary steps to address the situation. Options being considered include comprehensive repair of the affected sections or the complete replacement of the parking garage. Further details regarding timelines for these evaluations or potential repair work were not immediately available.
Story summarized from the original created by Ciara Folkerts on www.ky3.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
