Bridge demolition to restrict I-29 traffic flow

In the news

FAUCETT, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Transportation has announced that demolition of the Route DD bridge over Interstate 29 in Buchanan County at Faucett (Exit 35) is to begin at approximately 7 p.m. Friday.

Reconstruction of the bridge, built in 1958, is being carried out by Emery Sapp & Sons of Columbia under a contract with MoDOT. The work will also include ramp replacement.

For safety reasons, no vehicles will be permitted under the bridge during demolition, and I-29 traffic will be narrowed to one lane in each direction. All traffic will be routed up and over the on and off ramps and around the demolition site.

During demolition, only through-interstate traffic will be allowed on the ramps. To ensure that interstate traffic flows as smoothly as possible, no access to or from Route DD will be permitted.

The lane closures could remain in place for 24 hours or more. Motorists will experience delays and may want to consider using an alternate route, according to a MoDOT release.

The contractor plans to begin ramp replacement after the Labor Day holiday on Monday, Sept. 4.

Only one set of ramps (northbound or southbound) will be closed at a time. During both closures, at least one lane of I-29 in each direction will remain open.

The new bridge should be completed within 90 days, weather permitting.

During the construction period, signs will direct motorists to an appropriate alternate route.

For more information, access MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org.