The Route D bridge over Interstate 70 will be closed for up to three months starting 9 a.m. Tuesday.
The state is replacing the aging bridge southwest of Williamsburg as part of the $351 million Focus on Bridges program, an effort by Gov. Mike Parson to replace or repair 250 bridges across the state.
While the bridge is demolished, I-70 will be closed between Route A/Z and Route D/YY from 9 p.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday. Single-lane closures will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
During the nightlong I-70 closure, eastbound travelers will be rerouted to exit 155 and westbound travelers will be rerouted to exit 161. Signs and crews will direct drivers through the detour route on Route D and the I-70 North Outer Road through Williamsburg.
In the event of inclement weather, the overnight closure will be moved to start Wednesday.
While the Route D bridge is closed, drivers will have to find another way across I-70. The nearest bridges, each several miles away, are at Route A/Z to the west and Route D/YY to the east.
According to a project fact sheet from the Missouri Department of Transportation, the bridge deck is in serious condition. The deteriorating bridge was constructed in 1963.
The bridge, which sees 1,400 vehicles per day, is one of hundreds in the state rated "poor" by the Federal Highway Administration.
Already, work crews have begun making roadway improvements along the I-70 North Outer Road. Once completed, the new bridge will be slightly taller, longer and wider to account for any future expansions to I-70.
The $1,575,022 project is expected to finish this year.