After several months of disruptive construction and traffic snarls, the bridge over Neighorn Branch on U.S. Route 54 south of Jefferson City is now fully open. The completion of the construction work, which wrapped up on November 28, signaled a return to normal traffic flow—a much-awaited development for local commuters and through-travelers alike.
The roadway had been constricted since late June to a single lane for each direction due to the eastbound bridge replacement and westbound bridge deck replacement. Motorists now have the relief of restored two-lane traffic in each direction, courtesy of the efforts brought forth by Don Schnieders Excavating Company, Inc. under a contract valued at just under $2.85 million. According to a statement obtained by MoDOT, all related roads have also been reopened and all turning restrictions lifted.
Despite the major milestones reached, drivers should brace for intermittent single-lane closures in the weeks ahead as crews work to smooth out the approaches to the refurbished structure. Weather conditions, as ever, loom large over schedule certainties; all upcoming work hinges on cooperative skies and is subject to adjustment as needed.
Further details on the project, and the possibility to sign up for project-specific updates, can be found on the project's webpage. Meanwhile, MoDOT asks all drivers to buckle up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones.
