MoDOT webpage to give updates on Callaway County bridge work

To keep customers informed of the progress involving U.S. 54 bridge improvements in Callaway County, the Missouri Department of Transportation has developed a webpage about the $7.3 million project, according to a MoDOT news release.

The webpage is found at MoDOT.org/Central/Route54CallawayBridges.htm.

A link to the 54 Bridge Improvements webpage is also located on MoDOT's Central District website at modot.org/central.

The webpage includes a general project overview, information about current bridge work, location maps, future construction schedules, as well as the ability to sign up for periodic email updates about the project. This page will also serve as an information hub to give motorists advance notice of any major traffic impacts that could potentially affect travel.

The project began Thursday with the rehabilitation of the westbound U.S. 54 bridge over Middle River, approximately 6 miles southwest of Fulton. Motorists will begin experiencing an around-the-clock, single-lane closure on westbound U.S. 54 at the bridge Monday. One lane will be open at all times during the work. The closure will remain in place until work is completed in mid-September.

During the next 15 months, MoDOT plans to improve nine bridges on U.S. 54 between Interstate 70 and New Bloomfield:

  • U.S. 54 westbound over Middle River,
  • U.S. 54 eastbound over Richland Creek,
  • U.S. 54 westbound over Richland Creek,
  • U.S. 54 eastbound over the KCR Railroad,
  • U.S. 54 eastbound over Stinson Creek,
  • U.S. 54 eastbound over Business 54,
  • U.S. 54 eastbound over I-70,
  • U.S. 54 westbound over I-70 and
  • U.S. 54 westbound over Hillers Creek.

The bridges over Richland Creek and the KCR Railroad will get new decks. The remaining bridges will be rehabilitated.

In addition to the bridge improvements, the project will also include safety improvements to the U.S. 54 corridor. Contractors will install guard cable along sections of U.S. 54 from the Missouri River bridge in Jefferson City to I-70 in Kingdom City. MoDOT officials said the guard cables will increase safety and will help reduce crossover collisions along these areas of U.S. 54.