Crews inspecting Platte Purchase Bridge

Crews closed the northbound and southbound lanes of U.S. 69 Platte Purchase Bridge over the Missouri River starting at 8 a.m. July 25, and it will be closed through 6 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, to perform bridge inspections.

According to Missouri highway authorities, the bridge will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, then it will close again from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily beginning Tuesday, July 26, through Thursday, July 28.

Work was originally scheduled for 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. beginning Monday, July 25, and continuing through Thursday, July 28, only. Motorists will need to find an alternate route, according to highway officials. All work is weather dependent.

This is part of replacing the current U.S. 69 Highway Bridge over the Missouri River, according to a spokesman. A new structure will be constructed in its place and will include multiple lanes and bike-pedestrian access. It will be open to traffic in December 2016.