I-29 closed Tuesday for bridge repair

By NewsPress Now

Drivers on Interstate 29 through St. Joseph will face a detour Tuesday as crews work on the Cook Road Bridge.

Both directions of Interstate 29 will be closed beginning at 4 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2. Traffic is expected to reopen by 7 p.m.

During the closure, north and southbound through traffic on I-29 will be directed to use I-229.

Local traffic will not be able to access I-29 at the following locations:

Northbound I-29 from:

Route 6 (Frederick Blvd.) – Exit 47

U.S. Route 36 – northbound Exits 46A & 46B

Southbound I-29 from:

Business Route 71/US. Route 59 – Exit 53

U.S. Route 169 (Rochester Rd) – Exit 50

The interstate is being closed so the contractor can drive bridge piling which will support the new beam needed to add a sidewalk to the south side of the Cook Bridge.

This is the first of several closures of I-29 that will occur during the project. In addition, overnight lane closures on I-29 below the bridge may occur between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. A 12-foot width restriction also will be in place.

The project will widen the bridge, replace the driving surface and add a pedestrian sidewalk. The project is expected to be completed by October.