Drivers along I-55 in Jefferson County should be aware of two upcoming closures this weekend connected to the continued interstate improvements in the area, the Missouri Department of Transportation reported.
Crews will close the entrance ramp from Hwy. A to northbound I-55 in Festus at 9 p.m. today, Nov. 7, for drainage work. The ramp is expected to reopen by 6 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 9. A signed detour will direct drivers on Hwy. A to use Hwy. 61-67 to access northbound I-55.
In addition, crews plan to close McNutt Street under I-55 in Herculaneum from 9 p.m. today to 5 a.m. Saturday. The overnight work will shift northbound I-55 traffic onto the new bridge over McNutt, allowing demolition and replacement of the existing northbound I-55 bridge.
During the closure, northbound I-55 traffic will exit the interstate, cross over McNutt Street and re-enter I-55. Drivers on McNutt Street will be detoured to Hwy. 61-67 to access northbound I-55.
The closure dates are subject to change in the case of inclement weather.
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. The new median lanes and demolition of the old pavement and bridge are part of an estimated $246 million I-55 Corridor Improvements project that runs from just north of Pevely to just south of Festus.
For more on roadway closures due to construction, additional work zone information and real- time roadway weather conditions go to traveler.modot.org/map. For real-time traffic, visit gatewayguide.com.