By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
The double-decker bridge on I-229 in St. Joseph will be closed between U.S. 36 and Highland Avenue from Monday through Friday this week, as it undergoes routine maintenance and inspection.
Maintenance crews will complete pavement repairs and work on the bridge lighting. Multiple crews will be working at the same time to take advantage of the closure and maximize the amount of work accomplished, according to Missouri Department of Transportation Engineer Chris Redline.
"The main reason for closing the bridge is to do the in depth inspection on it," Redline said. "While we're in there, we also do all of the maintenance that needs to be done so we can get everything done under one lane closure and minimize inconvenience to drivers."
All work is weather-permitting, and schedules are subject to change. Motorists will need to seek an alternate route during the closure.
"It's safer for the public and us to close it down for a few days," said Redline. "Just get in, get it done and get out."
The double-decker bridge in St. Joseph was completed in 1986. It's estimated that 17,000 vehicles drive on it daily. MoDOT is considering at alternative routes to the double-decker bridge and will present those alternatives to the city later this summer.