Districts Impacted
Project Progress
The Missouri Department of Transportation worked with consulting firm Olsson to design a new bridge deck on Interstate 29 over U.S. Route 59. The public was invited to provide input, ask questions, express concerns about construction of the project, etc. during a public comment period in the fall of 2020.
The project was part of MoDOT's August 2021 letting, when contractors submitted competitive bids for the project.
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the contract to Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. at their September 2021 meeting.
This is the earliest date at which the contractor is allowed to begin work is Oct. 4, 2021, the Notice to Proceed date.
Construction is scheduled to begin March 28 and continue through early August 2022.
Traffic impacts will vary during the two stages of the project:
March 28 – April 11: rehabilitate U.S. Route 59 under the interstate
- I-29 open in both directions
- U.S. Route 59 under I-29 CLOSED
- This will restrict access at the interchange as follows:
- On-ramp from westbound U.S. Route 59 to northbound I-29 CLOSED
- Northbound I-29 traffic will be able to exit and access U.S. Route 59 east of the interstate, but will not be able to access U.S. Route 59 west of the interstate
- Southbound I-29 traffic will be able to exit and access U.S. Route 59 west of the interstate, but will not be able to access U.S. Route 59 east of the interstate
- U.S. Route 59 traffic west of the interstate will be able to access I-29 southbound, but will not be able to access the ramp to northbound I-29
- U.S. Route 59 traffic east of the interstate will not be able to access either direction of I-29 for the duration of the project.
- This will restrict access at the interchange as follows:
April 11 – early August: bridge deck replacement
- Interstate 29 traffic, open in both directions, but narrowed to one lane and moved to the exit and entrance ramps at Exit 92. Motorists will experience delays.
- No access to U.S. Route 59 from I-29
- U.S. Route 59 under I-29 CLOSED
- No access to I-29 from U.S. Route 59
Please note that U.S. Route 59 will be closed under the interstate from March 28 through the end of the project. A signed detour will be in place for U.S. Route 59 motorists west of I-29 over Route 111 at Craig to Route 118 to I-29 at Mound City.
By contract, the contractor will have 180 calendar days to complete the project once construction begins. All work is expected to be complete in early August 2022.
Old Bridge
Both the old and new bridge decks will be 39.5 feet wide with 12-foot lanes
New Bridge
The design team is looking at options to improve the vertical clearance under the north and southbound bridges. Several options are being considered which would slightly raise the bridge, slightly lower the pavement under the bridge or a combination of both tactics.
U.S. Route 59 under the bridge will be closed during construction for safety. A signed detour will direct motorists around the closure. (See map at right.)
Interstate 29 traffic will also be impacted. The construction will be staged with the bridge deck for one direction (northbound or southbound) replaced, then the other, to minimize the impact to through traffic. For example, if the northbound bridge deck is under construction, traffic will be head-to-head in the southbound lanes.
There may be brief closures of the interstate. Should interstate closures be necessary, through traffic could be redirected to the on and off ramps to have minimal impact on motorists, though delays would be expected.
Signed Detour Map
I-29 bridge over US Route 59 in Holt County Detour Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why is MoDOT closing U.S. Route 59 during construction?
A. For safety during the construction of the new I-29 bridge deck, U.S. Route 59 traffic will not be allowed under the bridge.
Q. How long will U.S. Route 59 be closed?
A. The exact length of the closure has not been determined.
Q. What is the detour while U.S. Route 59 is closed?
A. A signed detour during the closure of is planned over Route 111 and Route 118.
Q. Why not build a bypass?
A. Based on the cost/benefit ration, building a bypass would not be a prudent use of taxpayer funds. A bypass also could have negative impacts and disruption to private property.
Q. Will you have to acquire any right of way?
A. At this time, no additional right of way will be needed.
Q. Who can I contact if I have further questions?
A. Questions about the project may be directed to Project Manager Joyce Reynolds by calling 1-888 ASK MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or by emailing nwcr@modot.mo.gov. Or you may ask a question using the form below.
Q. How can I stay updated on the project's progress?
A. Sign up for project-specific updates using the form below.
Project News
-
REMINDER: Community invited to call in input for upcoming bridge project
MOUND CITY, Mo. – Members of the public can go online or call to provide their input regarding a project to replace the deck of a bridge on Interstate 29 near Craig which goes over U.S. Route 59 (Exit 92 at Craig). During much of the construction of...
-
Community input needed for upcoming bridge project
MOUND CITY, Mo. – Plans are underway to replace the deck of a bridge on Interstate 29 near Craig. The Missouri Department of Transportation is hosting both an online and phone-in public meeting to gather community feedback regarding the planned deck...