Drivers who use northbound I-55 between Hwy. Z in Pevely and Hwy. M in Barnhart should be aware that the interstate is scheduled to be closed overnight next week for bridge construction. Weather permitting, crews will close all lanes of northbound I-55 nightly from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, through Saturday, Dec. 13, to set girders for a new bridge over the BNSF railroad just north of Hwy. Z.
A signed detour will direct traffic around the closure. Drivers will exit I-55 at Hwy. Z (Exit 180) and turn right before turning left onto Hwy. 61-67 and continuing along that route until they reach Hwy. M, where they will turn left and take the ramp on the right side of Hwy. M to reenter northbound I-55.
The bridge work is part of an estimated $246 million I-55 Corridor Improvements project that runs from just north of Pevely 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.