MoDOT to close Route M under Interstate 55
            in Jefferson County July 9-12 for bridge demolition

      JEFFERSON COUNTY Ð The Missouri Department of Transportation and its contractor, Millstone Bangert, Inc., will close Route M under Interstate 55 to demolish the existing southbound I-55 bridge over Route M and GlaizeCreek beginning Friday night, July 9, weather permitting.


      The demolition will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, July 9 and is expected to be completed by 5 a.m. Monday, July 12. Southbound I-55 traffic will be detoured to the new northbound bridge during the bridge demolition.


Northbound I-55 lanes will remain in the current alignment, shifted to the right.



      During the weekend bridge demolition, Route M under I-55 will be closed. Motorists on the west side of Route M and I-55 are advised to use Metropolitan Boulevard as the detour. Motorists on the east side of Route M and I-55 are advised to use Route 61/67 as a detour.



      This project will widen Interstate 55 by adding one lane between Route M and Route Z, a new Interstate 55 bridge over Route M and straightening of the Interstate 55 southbound exit to Route M. Interstate 55 is an eight-lane roadway in Jefferson County from the Meramec River to Route M. At Route M, the interstate reduces to four lanes. This project
will improve safety and reduce congestion.



      Two bridges on I-55 over Route M and Glaize Creek will also be replaced. The total cost of the project is $15 million. The Interstate 55 widening project is funded by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).


      Motorists may experience delays during this work and are encouraged to use alternate routes. Plan ahead -- for ways to avoid work zones, call


1-888-ASK-MODOT or visit our website at www.modot.org.