Traffic impacts expected as roadwork starts on Jefferson City bridge rehabilitation project

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Work is set to begin Monday as part of the Highway 54 bridge rehabilitation project over Highway 50 and McCarty Street.

According to a press release from the Missouri Department of Transportation, work will begin under the Highway 50 and McCarty Street overpasses. The MoDOT website states no traffic impacts are expected on Highway 54.

MoDOT is set to narrow Highway 54 on Monday, July 15 to begin Phase 1 of shifting traffic for its Jefferson City improvement project.

The traffic shift will occur on westbound Highway 54, off of the Missouri River Bridge where traffic will narrow to one lane and shift to a head-to-head configuration with eastbound traffic for up to 90 days, according to MoDOT.

MoDOT states the bridge rehabilitations are expected to enhance safety, ease congestion and extend the life of both bridges.

One council member at a City Council meeting on June 17 expressed concerns about the project taking place during the summer. ABC 17 News has reached out to the city about those concerns.

The Jefferson City Police Department sent out a press release on Friday urging motorists to adjust travel times and be more aware on the road as one accident can cause gridlock in a construction zone.

"The biggest thing we can we can say is just pay attention to the road," said Jefferson City Police Sargent Doug Ruediger, "Stay focused on that vehicle in front of you, watch for those brake lights, watch your speed when you're coming towards work zones."

The traffic unit of the Jefferson City Police Department also will have their schedules adjusted to accommodate any potential crashes.

If a vehicle collision does occur and the vehicle is still functional, Jefferson City police advise drivers to continue driving to the following locations:

• Eastbound traffic within the work zone should move to the Route W exit, north of the Missouri River Bridge
• Westbound traffic should move to the Business 50/Missouri Boulevard exit and find the nearest parking lot
• Those involved in a crash South of the Business 50/Missouri Boulevard . exit should drive to the Jefferson Street/Stadium Boulevard exit and find the nearest parking lot.

More information can be found on MoDOT's website.