JEFFERSON CITY – The eastbound Interstate 70 bridge over the Missouri River near Rocheport will be down to one lane for the next 48 to 72 hours as Missouri Department of Transportation crews work to make emergency repairs to an expansion joint on the bridge. Expansion joints are what allow the bridge to expand and contract.
Motorists should expect heavy congestion and traffic delays on the bridge for the next several days, especially during peak travel times, such as morning and evening rush hours.
In addition, the speed limit on and near the bridge is reduced to 45 mph while the work takes place.
If possible, drivers are advised to alter their travel times or consider taking alternate routes around the bridge, such us Routes 50 and 36.
Wear and tear on the aging bridge is the cause for the expansion joint problem, MoDOT officials said.
“We’re sorry for the inconvenience this unplanned work is causing,” said MoDOT Central District Engineer David Silvester. “We will work around the clock to make these repairs as quickly as possible, but due to the extent of the problem, the work is likely going to take a few days. In the meantime, we will try to keep one eastbound lane of the bridge open, and the bridge is safe for travel.”
The westbound bridge is not affected by the work, and traffic on it should move normally.
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