The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has issued a traffic advisory that could affect commuters traveling on U.S. Route 54 south of Jefferson City. Roadwork is scheduled to begin this week for the ongoing bridge rehabilitation project over Neighorn Branch. According to an announcement on MoDOT's official website, drivers should expect lane reductions to one lane in each direction tonight and tomorrow night.
Construction crews are now set to work on the phase two of the bridge project, requiring traffic to be shifted into a head-to-head arrangement on the now completed eastbound bridge lanes. The westbound bridge is to be rehabilitated, which calls for the implementation of a 12-foot width restriction and speed reductions potentially as low as 45 mph. This configuration will be in full effect by Thursday morning, and aims to smoothly enable the ongoing construction efforts.
Local access will endure some adjustments during the construction phase. As per the MoDOT announcement, "Existing median crossovers closed at Route CC, Shepherd Hills Road and Wooded Hills Lane." Specific restrictions will apply: There will be no access from U.S. Route 54 eastbound to Route CC, and no access from Route CC to either direction of U.S. Route 54. Meanwhile, there will also be no access to or from westbound U.S. Route 54 at Shepherd Hills Road, nor from eastbound U.S. Route 54 at Wooded Hills Lane.
The bridge project is anticipated to reach completion by the end of November, weather permitting. MoDOT has contracted Don Schnieders Excavating Company, Inc. with a $2,849,278.23 agreement to carry out the construction work. For those interested in staying informed on the project updates, they can visit the project’s webpage. MoDOT also reminds motorists "to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones."
