Crews will completely close east and westbound I-670 on the south side of the downtown loop to demolish the Grand Avenue Bridge, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.
All lanes will close at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26, and will reopen to traffic no later than 5 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 29.
Traffic can bypass the closure using I-70 around the north side of the downtown loop.
Construction will begin once the old bridge is completely removed. Other closures include:
• The left lane of westbound I-670 between Oak Street and Main Street will remain closed for bridge construction through Oct. 10. Other lane closures are expected as construction progresses through the duration of the project.
• The left lane of Truman Road South will close between Walnut Street and McGee Street during construction beginning 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 23, through Dec. 1.
• The on-ramp to eastbound I-70 at McGee Street will remain open throughout the weekend of bridge removal, and the construction of the new bridge.
• Truman Road North will be closed completely between Oak Street and Walnut Street beginning 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 23, through Dec. 1.
• During construction of the new Grand Avenue Bridge, pedestrians are detoured west to Walnut Street.
• Motorists using Grand Avenue are detoured east on Oak Street.
A nearly $3.5 million emergency contract was awarded to Clarkson Construction Co. to replace the Grand Avenue Bridge in downtown Kansas City, Mo., after stress fractures prompted MoDOT to immediately close the bridge on May 6.
MoDOT analyzed the severity of the stress fractures, and after careful examination, determined that the bridge needed to be completely replaced, a spokesman said. MoDOT worked closely with the city of Kansas City, Mo., to accelerate design plans to replace the existing structure.
The new bridge will be built in the same location, and includes enhanced bike paths and wider sidewalks.
Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention as they drive past work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can be moving operations, such as striping, patching or mowing. They can also be short term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris from the roadway.
For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, visit the website at www.modot.mo.gov/kansascity.
