Bridge Closures in Tenn., Mo. to Impact Thousands
Key Takeaways:
· Tennessee DOT will conduct a full bridge replacement on State Route 113 in Jefferson County, requiring a complete road closure through mid-December.
· The closure affects over 7,000 daily motorists, with detours via State Route 341 and I-81/I-40 to maintain travel flow.
· Missouri DOT began a 30-day bridge rehabilitation on Route CC/J in Ozark to install dual left-turn lanes improving traffic movement onto Route 65.
· A second rehabilitation on Route 160 in Highlandville begins Oct. 15, with lane and shoulder closures expected throughout the project.
Tennessee Bridge Replacement Project to Cause Major Traffic Disruptions
A bridge replacement project in Tennessee will cause significant traffic delays for thousands of motorists who use State Route 113 through Jefferson County.
A two-direction road closure will begin Monday, Oct. 13, just south of the Leadvale Road intersection, allowing road and bridge construction crews to work safely in a controlled environment, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).
TDOT spokesperson Mark Nagi told WATE 6 News that complete road closures enhance construction site safety for both motorists and contractors.
“We’re trying to make sure that motorists in this area stay safe, but we also want to make sure that workers that are on this project safe as well,” Nagi said. “When you’re able to have a complete closure, that means that you’re not having vehicles going in and out of the work zone, which really does make for a safer experience for, the contractor.”
The complete closure will enable the full replacement of a small bridge along State Route 113, a project expected to finish by 6 a.m. on Dec. 15 if weather permits
The bridge closure impacts over 7,000 drivers daily with approximately 5,000 northbound and 2,000 southbound travelers, according to WATE 6 News.
TDOT will post detour signage directing northbound travelers to take State Route 341, or the Roy Messer Highway, to Interstate-81 South and then to Interstate-40 West. Southbound drivers should follow the reverse route — I-40 East to I-81 North to State Route 341.
Sources: Tennessee Department of Transportation, WATE 6 News
Missouri Bridge Rehabilitation Causes Congestion, Adds New Turning Lanes
A bridge rehabilitation project in the city of Ozark has caused congestion as drivers adjust to detours, according to Ozark First.
The eastbound lanes of Route CC/J closed overnight on Sunday for a 30-day bridge repair designed to reduce long-term congestion and improve traffic efficiency by adding dual left-turn lanes from eastbound Route CC to northbound State Route 65.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), the bridge will remain open to westbound traffic and both ramps to Route 65 remain operational.
The detour route directs motorists to take Route J to Route 65 southbound to Route 14/Jackson Street and then finally to Route 65 northbound. However, Ozark First reported that drivers are facing delays and congestion on the Jackson Street bridge due to the “time-consuming” detour.
MoDOT is also preparing for a second bridge rehabilitation on Route 160 in Highlandville, scheduled to start on Oct. 15. While the bridge will stay open, travelers should expect lane closures, shoulder closures, traffic shifts, narrowed lanes and reduced speeds throughout the construction period, according to the agency’s advisory.