Traffic Delays Expected at I-44 and Southbound Route 65

KSMU | By Bailey Vassalli

Published July 12, 2018 at 11:59 AM CDT

Both I-44 and southbound Route 65 will close over the weekend as the southbound Route 65 bridge is torn down. I-44 will open again after 24 hours.

Drivers on Interstate 44 and Highway 65 South can expect delays and detours as crews begin to tear down the southbound Route 65 bridge over I-44.Southbound Route 65 at the I-44 intersection will close at 12:01 a.m. Saturday and remain closed until late August.

I-44 will be closed at Route 65 from 12:01 a.m. Saturday to 12:01 a.m. Sunday.

Detours will be in place, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The bridge is roughly 50 years old. That is the lifespan of most bridges in Missouri, according to MODOT spokeswoman Angela Eden.

Click "Play" to hear audio from Angela Eden.

“This bridge has been in confident need of repairs over the last several years, and it’s just time for us to replace the bridge with a newer structure,” Eden said.The I-44 east to U.S. 65 north ramp is expected to remain closed until September 1. The I-44 west to U.S. 65 south ramp and the U.S. 65 south to I-44 east ramps are anticipated to be closed until August 21.

MODOT does not anticipate any traffic delays to Northbound Route 65 this weekend or through the duration of the project.

Drivers are encouraged to search for alternate routes before they travel.