Locals of O’Fallon, Mo., are being warned by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to prepare for traffic disruptions, upcoming lane reductions, and the full closure of Bryan Road Bridge on Interstate 70.
“The exit and entrance ramps to and from I-70 at Bryan Road will remain open, but you won’t be able to go over I-70,” said Tom Blair, district engineer at MoDOT, in a statement.
MoDOT invited the public to come see the changes being made on 12 bridges along Interstate 70 in St. Charles County Wednesday. Many were able to ask questions about detours and delays expected during the 10-week repair.
“We’re not doing any full replacements for the most part. We’re just doing pretty significant repairs to some of the driving surfaces on the bridges we drive on,” Blair said.
Eight bridges on I-70 from Route K to Spencer Creek will experience lane closures. Additionally, three bridges on Route 79 near I-70 will have lane closures, including the northbound lanes of the bridge over I-70. Some business owners thought MoDOT was going to address traffic issues.
“I really was hoping that there was a little bit more of a plan to put some of the one-way outer roads in place and fix some of the traffic problems on Bryan Road…with St. Dominic getting in and out of school every day,” said Josh Hausgen, a local business owner in a statement.
MoDOT chose the full closure option as staged construction would have extended beyond the summer break at St. Dominic. Additionally, the width of the bridge at Bryan Road would only allow a single-turn lane and restrict tractor-trailer turns. Citizens were content with the planned detours.
“Yeah, I learned about the T.R. Hughes detour. Kinda learned where my surroundings are a little bit more. So definitely glad I came out today,” said Aaron Hemmer, local resident, in a statement.
The full closure of the Bryan Road Bridge at I-70 will begin Monday, June 2 and is expected to be completed by Aug. 15. For more information on the closures and detours, motorists can visit MoDOT’s website.
Source: Fox2now.com, Missouri Department of Transportation
