MODOT urges drivers to take alternate routes as Missouri River bridge work continues this weekend

Construction work will continue this Memorial Day weekend on the Missouri River bridge. The westbound bridge will remain closed and workers will continue to paint.

So MODOT engineers said Memorial Day weekend travelers who might be heading to the lake should try to avoid the bridge if possible.

If drivers are coming from Kansas City or near the KC area, they recommend taking Highways 5, 87 or 50.

For St. Louisans or anyone near that area: Highway 54 is the best bet.

MODOT said anyone coming from the Columbia area will probably have to take the bridge, so it asks drivers to be patient and plan extra time.

It’s usually a 15 or 20 minute delay during peak times and so engineers at MODOT expect it to be about 25 or 30 minutes with the extra traffic.

Friday traffic will be the heaviest and then Sunday, Monday traffic will also be increased.

But drivers can check the traffic flow and conditions beforehand. MODOT has a mobile app available for phones as well as its interactive travel map. MODOT asks that drivers not use the app while they’re driving and ask someone else in the car to check on it.