Project Progress
MoDOT is working to design a bridge rehabilitation project of the north and southbound I-29 bridges over the Nishnabotna River in Atchison County. The design phase includes right of way acquisition, if needed, and a public input period.
The bridges, built in 1971, will be rehabilitated as part of Gov. Mike Parson's $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.
The project was part of the February 2021 letting, when contractors submitted competitive bids for the projects.
During the March 2021 meeting, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the contract to Phillips Hardy, Inc.
The Notice to Proceed is the earliest date the contractor may begin work on the project. This project will have a May 2021 Notice to Proceed date, though the contactor may apply for an earlier Notice to Proceed to begin work sooner.
Project construction is currently planned as follows:
- Monday, May 10, 2021 – COMPLETE - crews will close both north and southbound passing lanes to begin construction of median crossovers. During construction, intermittent lane closures are possible.
- Early June 2021 – COMPLETE - crossovers will be utilized to direct traffic head-to-head in the southbound lanes of I-29 at the bridges. The replacement of the northbound bridge over the Nishnabotna River will begin.
- Late October 2021 - COMPLETE - once work on the northbound bridge is complete, construction will stop for the winter season. During this time, traffic will be restored to two-lanes in each direction.
- March 2, 2022 – crossovers will be utilized to direct traffic head-to-head in the northbound lanes of I-29 at the bridges. The replacement of the southbound bridge over the Nishnabotna River will begin.
- Late September/Early October 2022 – once work on the southbound bridge is complete, traffic will be restored, and removal of the median crossovers will begin. During crossover removal intermittent lane closures are possible.
Overall completion for the project is scheduled for early December.
As part of construction, I-29 traffic will be head-to-head during the project.
Both bridges are now complete with the reopening of the southbound bridge Nov. 9, 2022.0
Project News and Information
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Atchison County I-29 traffic to move head-to-head
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The northbound bridge over the Nishnabotna River will close Wednesday, March 6, for a joint repair. Crews from Phillips Hardy, Inc., working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, are completing the repair following a...
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Atchison County I-29 to be restored to four lanes of traffic at the Nishnabotna River
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Construction is wrapping up for the year on the Interstate 29 twin bridges over the Nishnabotna River in Atchison County. Crews from Phillips Hardy, Inc., working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, led the...
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Atchison County Interstate 29 traffic moves head-to-head for bridge rehabilitations
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Construction is set to resume on the Interstate 29 twin bridges over the Nishnabotna River in Atchison County. Crews from Phillips Hardy, Inc., working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, are rehabilitating the north and...

What is the purpose of the project?
This bridge improvement project will include both the north and southbound I-29 bridges over the Nishnabotna River in Atchison County. The bridges, built in 1971, will be rehabilitated as part of Gov. Mike Parson's $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.
Atchison County I-29 bridge over the Nishnabotna River

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will MoDOT close I-29 during construction?
A: The contractor should not have to close I-29 during either bridge rehabilitation project. Median crossovers will be constructed and traffic will be head-to-head during the construction of both the north and southbound bridges.
Q: Will MoDOT have to purchase any right of way?
A: Right of way acquisition will not be necessary for these projects.
Q: Who can I contact if I have further questions?
A: Questions about the project may be directed to MoDOT Customer Service at I-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636)