Project Progress
MoDOT has contracted with Olsson to design a bridge deck replacement project over Interstate 29 on Route B in Holt County. The Design Phase also includes right of way acquisition (if any) and a public input period.
The project was part of the October 2020 letting, when contractors submitted competitive bids for the project.
During its November 2020 meeting, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the $1,910,949.89 contract to Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. The awarded amount also includes the bridge rehabilitation of the DeKalb County Route A bridge over Lost Creek.
The Notice to Proceed date is the earliest date on which the contractor may begin work on the project. This project had a December 2020 Notice to Proceed.
In order to safely place the new bridge deck in the shortest amount of time, the bridge will be closed to all traffic during construction. The contractor plans to close the bridge to all traffic on Monday, April 19, 2021. That date is subject to change.
Prior to the bridge closure, shoulder work will be conducted on I-29 under the bridge.
For the duration of the project, I-29 may be narrowed to one lane with a 12-foot width restriction under the bridge.
The contractor was able to reopen the bridge to all traffic on July 16, 2021.

Old Bridge Deck
The deck of the bridge over I-29 on Route B in Holt County. This is a view of the bridge deck looking south, taken in November 2017.

Planned Detour Route
The current planned signed detour route for the bridge deck replacement is over U.S. Route 59 and Route 120.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is MoDOT closing the road during construction?
Closing the road during the bridge replacement saves taxpayer money by allowing the contractor to work more efficiently and safely. This will result in a shorter construction period.
How long will the road be closed?
The contractor plans to close the bridge to all traffic on Thursday, April 15 and should have the bridge reopened by Aug. 1, 2021.
What is the detour?
A signed detour is planned over U.S. Route 59 and Route 120.
Why not build a bypass?
Based on the cost/benefit ratio, building a bypass would not be a prudent use of taxpayer funds. A bypass also could have negative impacts and disruption to private property.
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Questions about the project may be directed to MoDOT Customer Service at 888 ASK MODOT (1-888-275-6636)
How can I stay updated on the project's progress?
Sign up for project-specific updates using the form below.
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Holt County Route B now open after bridge rehabilitation project
St. Joseph, Mo. – The bridge over Interstate 29 on Holt County Route B is now open after a bridge rehabilitation project. The Missouri Department of Transportation contracted with Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. to replace the bridge’s deck. This bridge is...
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UPDATE: Holt County Route B closure moved to Monday as part of bridge deck replacement project
St. Joseph, Mo. – The planned closure for the bridge on Holt County Route B over Interstate 29 is postponed to Monday, April 19, for a bridge deck replacement project. Crews from Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc., working with the Missouri Department of...
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REMINDER: Holt County Route B to close tomorrow as part of bridge deck replacement project
St. Joseph, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Transportation reminds drivers that the bridge on Holt County Route B over Interstate 29 will close tomorrow, April 15, for a bridge deck replacement project. Crews from Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. will close...
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UPDATE: Holt County Route B to close Thursday, April 15 as part of bridge deck replacement project
St. Joseph, Mo. – A bridge deck replacement project will close close the bridge over Interstate 29 on Holt County Route B a few days earlier than previously announced. Crews from Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc., contracted by the Missouri Department of...
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Holt County Route B to close soon as part of bridge deck replacement project
St. Joseph, Mo. – A bridge deck replacement project will soon close the bridge over Interstate 29 on Holt County Route B. Crews from Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc., contracted by the Missouri Department of Transportation, began shoulder repairs on I-29...
For more information about this or other MoDOT projects, please contact our 24-hour Customer Service line at 888 ASK MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or sign up for alerts straight to your inbox at email/text updates.