Delays expected on Eastbound I-44 near Mt. Vernon next week

(From MODOT)

Delays Expected on Eastbound I-44 Bridge Over

Spring River When Rehab Begins Week of Feb. 6

Lawrence County – Drivers on I-44 near Mt. Vernon will experience traffic delays beginning the week of Feb. 6 when work to rehabilitate the eastbound bridge over the Spring River on I-44 at mile marker 43.4 is scheduled to begin, the Missouri Department of Transportation said. Nearly 30,000 vehicles a day travel over the bridge, which was built in 1964. It is experiencing significant deterioration requiring frequent maintenance from MoDOT crews. The project consists of rehabilitating the bridge on the eastbound lanes. Contractor crews will begin the project by placing message boards, replacing guardrail and signing a detour along Missouri Route 96 between Route 39 and Route 97 for westbound traffic and a detour on the outer road beginning at Exit 38 for eastbound traffic. Traffic impacts: Drivers should expect lane closings in the westbound lanes beginning week of Feb. 6 Beginning the week of March 13, temporary crossovers will be constructed moving two-way traffic into the westbound lanes of I-44 Eastbound bridge will CLOSE no sooner than March 15 for the duration of the project Motorists can expect significant traffic delays and a reduced speed limit of 60 mph through the work zone Drivers are urged to seek alternate routes around the construction Some work may occur on weekends Weather and/or construction delays will alter the work schedule. Project information: Contractor: Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc., Columbia Total cost: $3.4 million Completion date: August 31, 2017