Districts Impacted
While work is needed on both bridges on U.S. Route 54 over the Neighorn Branch, south of Jefferson City, they are at different stages in their life cycle. The eastbound bridge needs to be replaced while the westbound bridge needs a new deck.
PROJECT PROGRESS
The Missouri Department of Transportation and its consultant are designing two projects in Cole County: a new bridge over the Neighorn Branch on eastbound U.S. Route 54 and the replacement of the bridge deck of westbound U.S. Route 54 over the Neighorn Branch.
Neither project is expected to require any new right of way acquisition.
The estimated total cost (engineering and construction) for these projects is $3.78 million. This cost may change.
During the two-week comment period that ran June 20 – July 5, the community and interested parties had multiple avenues to learn about, ask questions, and submit input regarding the planned work and associated traffic impacts.
- In-person - An open-house style public meeting was held Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Cole County Fire Protection District located at 5206 Monticello Road in Jefferson City. The project team was on hand to answer questions, provide information, and receive input about the project. There was no formal presentation, so attendees may come and go as they please at any time during the advertised hours.
- Online - All meeting exhibits are available on this website and feedback may be submitted using the form below.
- By email – Send comments to CDCR@modot.mo.gov with the subject line: U.S. Route 54 Neighorn Branch Bridge Project in Cole County.
- By traditional mail – Comments may be mailed to Missouri Department of Transportation, 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO 65109, postmarked by July 5, 2024. Please reference: U.S. Route 54 Neighorn Branch Bridge Project in Cole County.
As part of their February meeting, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded a $2,849,278.23 contract for this work to Don Schnieders Excavating Company, Inc.
Work on both bridges will require traffic shifts and U.S. Route 54 will be narrowed to one lane in each direction. Construction is expected to take place in 2025.
This bridge, built in 1941, is in poor condition, showing signs it has reached the end of its useful life, and in need of replacement. Nearly 11,000 vehicles use the 24-foot-wide bridge on an average day. By adding a 10-foot acceleration lane, the new structure will be 40 feet wide.
While the new bridge is being built, all eastbound traffic will be routed onto the westbound bridge. This will narrow U.S. Route 54 to one lane in each direction for the duration of eastbound construction.
Built in 1965, this bridge carries 11,000 vehicles on an average day. While the supporting structures are in good condition, the driving surface has deteriorated and needs replaced. The new deck will be wider with two 12-foot lanes and two 4-foot shoulders.
After the new eastbound bridge is constructed, the westbound bridge’s deck will be replaced which will push all traffic onto the eastbound bridge and again narrow U.S. Route 54 to one lane in each direction.
Work on both bridges is expected to be completed by Dec. 1, 2025.
Meeting Materials
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is MoDOT working on the bridges?
Built in 1941, the eastbound bridge is in poor condition and showing signs it is near the end of its useful life. The supporting structures of the westbound bridge, built in 1965, are in good condition but the deck has deteriorated.
What improvements are being made to the bridges?
Both bridges will be wider than the existing structures. The new eastbound bridge will be 40 feet wide, while the new deck on the westbound bridge will be increased to 32 feet.
How will this bridge work affect traffic?
The contractor, working with MoDOT, will shift traffic and narrow U.S. Route 54 to one lane in each direction. Temporary traffic control devices will separate the head-to-head traffic.
Additional turning restrictions may be implemented throughout both phases of construction, as needed.
The eastbound bridge is anticipated to be closed for 88 calendar days and the westbound bridge for 50 calendar days.
How will the timing of the closures be decided?
MoDOT often provides a time frame for projects, rather than a specific start date. For the work on these bridges, the contract will specify the calendar days each bridge can be closed with an overall contractual competition date of Dec. 1, 2025 (subject to change).
What if I have further questions?
You may email cdcr@modot.mo.gov or call us at 888 ASK MODOT (1-888-275-6636). Please reference U.S. Route 54 Neighorn Branch Bridge Project in Cole County on your inquiries.
How can I stay updated on the project’s progress?
Sign up for project-specific updates using the form below.
