Heads up, Ozark drivers: expect some slowdowns on your commute for the next month. MoDOT has announced significant lane closures on the Missouri Route 14 (Jackson Street) bridge over U.S. Route 65, set to begin on July 21 and projected to last until August 18. The right lane of the westbound side of the bridge will be shut down to traffic as crews tackle maintenance and repairs.
The scope of the work includes replacing the bridge expansions, resurfacing the deck, and replacing the westbound outside bridge wall. A temporary barrier wall will be erected to keep work zones safe, but it means space will be tight. According to the MoDOT announcement, even though the westbound Route 14 bridge's left lane and left turn lane will remain open, Missouri Route 14 (Jackson Street) will be accessible, just expect some night work to potentially cramp your style.
Speaking of night work, for those of you who prefer the cover of darkness for your travel, you're not out of the woods either. Eastbound Missouri Route 14 (Jackson Street) bridge will see some night action from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., also starting July 21 and stretching to August 18. The crews' night moves will involve removing the westbound Route 14 outside bridge wall, which necessitates closing Route 65 in both directions at the Route 14 bridge temporarily. Detours will send Route 65 traffic over the on-off ramps at Route 14 and then back onto Route 65.
While the daytime disruptions are a given, the nighttime closures aren't set in stone just yet. MoDOT promises that "this work has not yet been scheduled," and a news release will be sent out prior to the work to alert the traveling public. For real-time updates, it's best to keep an eye on MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map, which will have the latest on road closures and traffic impacts.
