Illinois commuters should expect delays during JB Bridge work, MoDOT says. But how long?

The eastbound lanes of the Jefferson Barracks Bridge will be closed through December, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The eastbound bridge will close at about 8 p.m. on April 15. Traffic will be shifted to a single lane on the westbound bridge as crews perform preventative maintenance identified during a recent inspection, MoDOT says.

The Illinois Department of Transportation closed down the westbound section of the J.B. Bridge for two weeks in 2019 after cracks were discovered in the structure. Some metro-east residents, at the time, reported needing an additional 45 minutes to complete their morning commutes.

According MoDOT, one westbound lane is currently closed and one eastbound lane will close on April 15. The remaining two lanes in each direction will be narrowed and shifted to the westbound bridge by 8 a.m. April 16.

The Koch Road exit ramp will also be closed because of project work. Drivers on Koch Road who want to travel east can take westbound I-255 to Telegraph Road and then get onto eastbound I-255.

MoDOT strongly encourages trucks heading across this bridge to use the left lane as they cross the Mississippi River.

While the eastbound bridge is closed, drivers can expect congestion levels to be high during morning and evening rush hour traffic and should consider either adjusting their routes or allow extra time to cross through the work zone.

This work may be delayed if inclement weather prohibits the construction needed prior to the traffic switch, according to MoDOT.