CLAY/JACKSON COUNTIES – In Spring 2026, the Missouri Department of Transportation will reopen NB U.S. 169 just north of the Kansas City Downtown Airport -Wheeler Field in a new traffic pattern.
As part of the new traffic pattern, crossovers will be constructed, and NB/SB U.S. 169 traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction and placed in a head-to-head traffic pattern across the SB U.S. 169 Viaduct Bridge. This will allow NB U.S. 169 to open to traffic across the southbound U.S. 169 Viaduct Bridge.
On Dec. 16, 2025, the NB U.S. 169 Viaduct Bridge was closed for further evaluation. After further evaluation, MoDOT determined it was necessary to keep the bridge closed. This bridge was already scheduled for replacement in summer 2026 after the World Cup: U.S. Route 169 Bridge Replacement in Clay County | Missouri Department of Transportation.
The new traffic pattern on NB/SB U.S. 169 will begin just past the Kansas City Downtown Airport - Wheeler Field and end just north of the viaduct bridges near Briarcliff Parkway and MO Route 9. The speed limit will be reduced from 55 mph to 45 mph throughout the project area.
The new traffic pattern will open over the SB U.S. 169 Viaduct Bridge after the completion of the design and construction of the crossover roadway. An exact timeline for the opening of the new traffic pattern will be shared once finalized in the Spring. This work is weather-dependent.
The following traffic impacts will be in place beginning in Spring 2026
- MO Route 9 traffic will not be able to access SB U.S.169
- NB U.S. 169 traffic will not be able to exit onto MO Route 9.
- Access to the downtown airport will be maintained on NB U.S 169 across the Buck O’Neil Bridge.
In addition, during construction of the crossovers the SB U.S. 169 Viaduct Bridge may be closed for 2-3 days for the installation of new traffic control devices on the SB U.S. 169 Viaduct Bridge. Short-term traffic impacts are also expected during the construction of the crossovers.
Motorists traveling on NB U.S. 169 are encouraged to utilize MO 9 and Interstate 29/35 to navigate around the closure. The nearby river crossings of Fairfax, Chouteau, Heart of America Bridge, Kit Bond Bridge and the I-435 River Bridge are also recommended for motorists to use to navigate around the project area.
Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. They can also be short-term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris from the roadway.
For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at www.modot.org/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on X, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity/. MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties. Sign up online for work zone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).
