Drivers who use southbound I-55 between Hwy. M in Barnhart and Hwy. Z in Pevely should be aware the interstate will close overnight this week for bridge construction.
Weather permitting, crews will close all lanes of southbound I-55 nightly from today, Dec. 15, through Saturday, Dec. 20, between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. 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. M (Exit 185) and turn left. They’ll then turn right at Hwy. 61/67 and continue along that route until they reach Hwy. Z, where they will turn right, and then take the ramp on left side of Hwy. Z to re-enter southbound 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 project is set to wrap up next December.
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.