HANNIBAL— On May 30, the Interstate 72/U.S. 36 Mark Twain Memorial Bridge near Hannibal is scheduled to close for up to 30 days while structural repairs are completed.
These repairs cannot be completed under traffic. Therefore, a complete closure of the route is necessary. MoDOT has issued an emergency contract and is working with the contractor to make these repairs as quickly as possible, including incentives should the crews restore one lane of traffic in each direction earlier than 25 days. Additionally, crews will be working two shifts to expedite the completion of the work.
These repairs are being completed to prevent further deterioration of the bridge during the summer months. Heat contributes to increased stress on the bridge, which may widen existing cracks and create new ones. The closure period is dependent on weather and any issues that may arise during this work.
Preliminary work on the bridge rehabilitation project began earlier this week. Eastbound and westbound I-72/U.S. 36 over the bridge will remain reduced to one lane with a 12-foot width restriction in place until the closure on May 30.
During the closure, traffic will be detoured to cross the Mississippi River at West Quincy. Travelers in Missouri will utilize U.S. Route 61 to U.S. Route 24 to West Quincy. Motorists in Illinois will use Interstate 72 to Interstate 172 to Illinois 104 to reach Missouri. Message boards and signs will be in place in Illinois and Missouri to alert motorists of the closure with signed detours.
For more information on this project, contact Gerri Jeffries, Missouri Department of Transportation, at gerri.jeffries@modot.mo.gov.
Work with us in the work zone! Please obey all work zone signs and personnel. With an increased number of highway work zones, we urge all drivers to pay attention every second, especially through a work zone. Before you travel, be informed of your route by checking the MoDOT Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org