JEFFERSON CITY – The southbound Route 63 bridge that crosses the Katy Trail near Jefferson City will open back up to traffic on Aug. 7 several weeks ahead of schedule and before the Aug. 21 solar eclipse.
The bridge closed June 5 so a new deck could be placed on the structure. Since then, the northbound bridge has been carrying one lane of both northbound and southbound traffic.
Switching southbound traffic from the northbound bridge back to the southbound structure is scheduled to begin around mid-morning on Aug. 7. During this time, motorists may encounter delays in the southbound lanes while the contractor prepares to move traffic back onto the southbound bridge.
One southbound lane and one northbound lane will remain closed to allow the contractor to perform work associated with the traffic switch, such as restriping and restringing guard cable. Both southbound lanes should be open to traffic by the end of the day on Aug. 7. One northbound lane will remain closed through the end of the day on Thursday, Aug. 10 so the temporary concrete barrier wall can be removed.
“We’re pleased to be able to open the southbound bridge back up to traffic ahead of schedule and in time for the solar eclipse,” said Aaron Peck, resident engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Central District. “We want to thank motorists for their patience as we rehabilitated this bridge. Thanks to them, we experienced few traffic problems or delays on this project.”
Some additional work will take place after the bridge is open, and motorists may encounter occasional lane closures through September, when the entire project is scheduled to be completed. In addition to the new deck, the project will bring the guardrail and bridge barrier on the southbound structure up to current standards. The work will extend the life of the 60-year-old bridge by 20 to 30 years.
For more information about this project or other transportation-related matters, visit www.modot.org/central.
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