MoDOT crews closed North Third Street under the I-55 bridge in Festus at 1 p.m. today, Oct. 10, for bridge demolition. That portion of the street is expected to remain closed through 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 13, the agency announced at about 12:30 p.m. today.
In a written statement, MoDOT said traffic on northbound I-55 has been shifted onto a new bridge over North Third Street, allowing for demolition of the old northbound structure. All lanes of I-55 in the area will remain open.
Motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to use alternative routes to avoid North Third Street during the weekend closure. All work is weather permitting. Detour signs will be posted.
The bridge work is part of an estimated $246 million I-55 Corridor Improvements project that runs from just north of Pevely south to just south of Festus. The purpose of the overall project is to address traffic and safety concerns along the I-55 corridor and account for future development and growth patterns in the region, according to the MoDOT website.
For traffic and travel information, visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org/map/.
For additional information about current and upcoming detours and project status, visit the I-55 Corridor Improvement project website at modot.org/projects/i-55-upgrades-jefferson.