Here’s the new schedule for repair work on the Jefferson Barracks Bridge along I-255

Weather has once again slowed Missouri Department of Transportation’s plan to shift eastbound traffic from the Jefferson Barracks Bridge onto the westbound bridge.

MoDOT crews are now planning to close the eastbound I-255 bridge across the Mississippi River and reroute traffic onto the westbound bridge starting at 8 p.m., April 21, weather permitting.

According to MoDOT, one lane in each direction will close and the remaining two lanes will in each direction will be narrowed and shifted on the westbound bridge by 8 a.m., April 22.

The bridge is being closed for “significant rehabilitation,” according to MoDOT. Cracks in the structure were discovered during a routine inspection two year ago. They have been temporarily repaired until more thorough rehabilitation work could be scheduled.

The Koch Road exit ramp to the eastbound I-255 will also close at that time.

MoDOT encourages trucks to stay in the left lanes of both eastbound and westbound I-255 as they cross the bridge.

The original plan for bridge work on the eastbound side of the J.B. Bridge was to begin at around 8 p.m. on April 15, but had been pushed back to April 19, because of soggy weather conditions, said MoDOT.

The Illinois Department of Transportation had closed down 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.

The work on the eastbound I-255 bridge is expected to finish in December, says MoDOT.

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

This story was originally published April 19, 2022 at 10:35 AM.