Route 174 Bridge over I-44 in Lawrence County to be closed

(From MODOT)

Route 174 Bridge Over I-44 to CLOSE Week of June 13 to Replace Superstructure

Contractor crews are set to CLOSE the Missouri Route 174 bridge over I-44 east of Mt. Vernon for up to 100 days the week of June 13 to replace the bridge’s superstructure, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

Crews will demolish the existing bridge deck/driving surface and beams, leaving the piers and foundation in place to be re-used in the new structure. 

In addition, the contractor will add new barrier walls, guardrail at the ends of the bridge, fiber reinforced polymer wraps on the existing piers for added strength and longevity, an upgraded drainage system and new permanent striping.

The bridge also will be raised to meet the current interstate clearance requirement of 16 feet six inches and widened to accommodate two 12-foot-wide lanes with two foot wide shoulders.

Traffic Impacts

All lanes of Route 174 will be CLOSED over I-44 for up to 100 days

Drivers will have access to driveways and entrances on either end of the bridge, but will not be able to drive through the work zone

All on- and off-ramps at Exit 49 will remain OPEN

Drivers will be directed along a signed detour: 

Westbound Route 174 detoured east along I-44 to Lawrence County Route Z/O (Exit 58) near Halltown, then westbound on I-44 to westbound Route 174

Eastbound Route 174 detoured west along I-44 to Missouri Route 39 (Exit 46) near Mt. Vernon, then eastbound on I-44 to Route 174

Short nightly lane closures can be expected along I-44 throughout the duration of the closure

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Drivers should consider alternate routes during the project

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or construction delays could alter the work schedule.

This bridge was built in 1964 as one of the bridges built during the original construction of I-44 through Lawrence County. Approximately 3,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily.

All work in 2022 will be in Lawrence County, where crews will replace five (5) bridges and rehabilitate four (4) others.

More information about this project can be found on the project website – I-44 Corridor Bridge Bundle.

Project Details

Prime Contractor – The ESS TeamEmery Sapp & Sons, Inc. – Columbia
Parsons Transportation Group, Inc. – St. Louis
Total Project Cost: $43.2 million
Contract Completion Date: September 30, 2024

The ESS Team is a partnership of engineering and construction firms that will design and construct the project with oversight by MoDOT and the Federal Highway Administration.