Major traffic impacts expected on I-49 near Rich Hill

Drivers can expect lane closings and traffic shifts on I-49 near Rich Hill when a project to rehabilitate four bridges begins the week of March 16, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

Contractor crews will replace the bridge decks or driving surfaces of the bridges over the Bates County Drainage Ditch (Mile Marker 122) and the Marais des Cygnes River (Mile Marker 123).

Crews also will make repairs to other components underneath the bridge decks. New guardrail will be installed at each bridge.

Traffic impacts:

• Week of March 16, one northbound lane closed at Bates County Drainage Ditch for prep work

• In mid-April, I-49 reduced to one lane in each direction and shifted to the northbound bridges

• Once all southbound bridge work is complete, I-49 traffic will be shifted to the southbound side to rehabilitate the northbound bridges

• I-49 speed limit reduced to 60 mph in the work zone

Weather and/or unforeseen delays will alter the work schedule.

All four bridges in this project were built in 1966 and carry approximately 12,500 vehicles per day. The driving surfaces are deteriorating and in need of rehabilitation.

Capital Paving & Construction of Columbia is the prime contractor.

The estimated total project cost is $5.8 million.

The project is scheduled for completion by Dec. 1, 2020