MoDOT announces plans to improve Highway 50/54 interchange in Jefferson City

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Transportation is set to start improvements to an interchange in the Jefferson City area next year.

Every two years, MoDOT sends bridge engineers to inspect all state bridges. During this round of inspections, the engineers found that the bridge carrying a ramp from Highway 50 to Highway 54 was in need of repairs to extend its life.

"The bridge isn't crumbling and falling apart," Mia Peters, a transportation manager for MoDOT, said. "There are just some things that can be fixed up to improve the lifespan of the bridge."

The department unveiled plans Monday to repair the ramp from eastbound Highway 50 to eastbound Highway 54, improve the bridge deck and add new asphalt. MoDOT expects to award a contract for the $285,000 project in March.

The project could start in April. From the moment the bridge is closed, contractors will have 30 days to complete the rehabilitation.

The money will come from both federal and state funding. The state funding will pull money from Missouri's gas tax.

According to the department, workers will close the ramp and bridge for a month during the project. Drivers will detour to other state routes to get around the work.

"We ask for travelers to be patient with contractors as well as MoDOT inspectors," Peters said. "Most importantly, we ask drivers respect the rules of the road, safety of our workers and to not text and drive."

MoDOT expects the project will start later in 2023 after the contract is awarded.