Plans are moving forward for the planned spring closure of the westbound Missouri River Bridge.
At the Jefferson City Council meeting Monday, a bill was introduced to authorize an agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for the planned improvements to the westbound bridge for U.S. 54/63.
The westbound bridge, which crosses the Missouri River and connects Cole and Callaway counties, will be painted and repaired for the first time in nearly 20 years. The project likely will begin in April and could last until June 2017.
Four of those months likely will bring some traffic headaches and Monday's bill involves the city temporarily closing all affected ramps, including the eastbound on ramp at West McCarty Street, the westbound off ramp and eastbound on ramp at West Main Street, all access from Sandstone Road and the westbound on ramp at Route W. (Route W is a state road, but is listed in the agreement among affected city streets.)
The council is expected to approve the bill at its Jan. 19 meeting.
The bridge's westbound lanes will be closed, and drivers will share the eastbound lanes divided by a concrete barrier. Project Manager Mike Dusenberg has said 27,000 motorists cross the eastbound side of the bridge each day, and 28,000 cross the westbound side.
Eastbound drivers will be able to access the highway from the tri-level interchange (where U.S. 63 connects with U.S. 54 ) and from Missouri Boulevard.
Last month, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded a $7 million bid for the project to Saffo Contractors, out of Wilmington, North Carolina.