ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Two projects in the same area are scheduled to begin soon: the rehabilitation of the Big Lake Overflow Bridge and a pavement improvement project. Both projects will be constructed simultaneously, with coordination, on the stretch of U.S. Route 159 from the Missouri River to the Little Tarkio Creek Bridge near Fortescue.
The Missouri Department of Transportation has contracted with Phillips Hardy, Inc. for the pavement improvement project and Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. for the bridge rehabilitation project. A tentative schedule for both projects is as follows:
May 16 – 22:
Pavement improvement project: Working off the roadway for the beginning stages of construction of a bypass road to the south of the U.S. Route 159 and Route 111 intersection. Flaggers may be in place, as needed, to guide motorists through the work zone. Workers will be present, and drivers are urged to exercise caution.
May 23 – 30:
Pavement improvement project: Construction of the bypass road continues. Flaggers may be in place, as needed, to guide motorists through the work zone. Workers will be present, and drivers are again urged to exercise caution.
Bridge project: Flaggers will be in place during daylight hours, Monday through Friday, directing traffic through the work zone at the Big Lake Overflow Bridge, west of Route 111.
After Memorial Day:
Pavement improvement project: Traffic on U.S. Route 159 will be moved to the bypass as crews raise the level of the road on Route 111. There will be no access to and from U.S. Route 159 and Route 111 during this portion of the work. Temporary traffic signals will be in place to guide drivers through the bypass and a 15-foot width restriction will be in place. This traffic pattern is expected to continue through the month of June.
Bridge project: U.S. Route 159 will be narrowed to one lane with a 13-foot width restriction at the Big Lake Overflow Bridge. Temporary traffic signals will be in place to direct motorists over the bridge. The bridge is expected to remain narrowed through July.
After June:
Pavement improvement project: Temporary traffic signals, with a 15-foot width restriction, will be in place through Fall 2022 as pavement improvements continue and crews work to clean out ditches along the roadside.
All work is weather-permitting, and schedules are subject to change.
The Big Lake Overflow Bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.
MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by always buckling up, keeping your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones. Know before you go and check what work zones you might encounter at traveler.modot.org.
While at modot.org, sign up online for work zone updates. Information is also available 24/7 at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or via social media.
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