Long-Term Closure of I-35 Corridor Imminent

The Missouri Department of Transportation will make the following traffic change as part of the Buck O’Neil/US 169 Missouri River Bridge replacement project. All work is weather dependent.

Crews will close northbound I-35 from 12th to eastbound I-70, tentatively beginning Monday, March 7 and continuing for approximately 275 days for the construction of a new retaining wall along I-35 and for a new bridge over 6th St.  

Crews will also close northbound I-35 to westbound I-70 during the same period for bridge rehabilitation work. The posted detour will allow motorists travelling on I-35 to reconnect with northbound US 169 Highway.    

This is all part of constructing a new Buck O’Neil Bridge that can be reasonably maintained, while providing a safe, connected, and accessible transportation facility that improves system performance. The new Missouri River Bridge will cost close to $220 million dollars to construct and expected to be completed by 2024.

The current Buck O’Neil Memorial Bridge is a triple arch bridge carrying U.S. Route 169 over the Missouri River, and serves as a key regional connection between downtown Kansas City and communities north of the river. While safe, the bridge is nearing the end of its projected service life.

Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in 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.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story