Bridge repairs forcing I-29 closure

By NewsPress Now

Work on the Cook Road bridge will close sections of Interstate 29 in St. Joseph for two weeks next month.

Crews with Clarkson Construction Company will be painting the bridge, which spans the interstate from Oct. 7 through 18 as they wrap up the bridge rehabilitation project, which is widening the road and resurfacing it. To keep workers and those traveling safe, the interstate under the bridge needs to be closed, and traffic will be directed off the road.

The Missouri Department of Transportation first will close the northbound lanes of the interstate beginning at 4 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, through 4 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11. The southbound lanes will close the following week from 4 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 14, through 4 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18.

When the lanes are closed, drivers will detour onto I-229, with those going northbound diverting at Exit 43 and southbound traffic using Exit 56B. While the closures are in effect, traffic won’t be able to enter I-29 from the following ramps:

Northbound

Route 6/Frederick Boulevard – Exit 47

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

Southbound

Business Route 71/US. Route 59 – Exit 53

U.S. Route 169/Rochester Road – Exit 50

The bridge project is expected to be finished in mid-October 2024.