Big changes are coming for drivers in Jefferson County. Starting the evening of February 21, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will usher southbound I-55 traffic onto brand-new median pavement. The shift will begin at 8 p.m., redirecting traffic from north of Central Avenue to south of the I-55/US 67 interchange. According to an announcement on MoDOT's website, commuters should expect to be driving on the new pavement by the morning of February 24.
The move is an essential step toward an extensive upgrade, allowing for the demolition of the current southbound I-55 pavement and the bridges stretching over Central Ave, 3rd St, and US 67. Moving onto this new stretch, crews will set the stage for the next phase of construction, which MoDOT stipulates is contingent on the cooperation of the weather.
As another facet of this broad project, MoDOT is closing the southbound US 67 loop ramp leading to southbound I-55 for approximately six months. The closure will enable the demolition and reconstruction of the bridge that carries southbound I-55 over US 67. For drivers typically using this route, a detour will guide them onto southbound US 61 towards the I-55 interchange at Exit 170, as detailed in MoDOT's statement.
