By RYAN SKAITH
A stretch of Interstate 29 in Buchanan County will close in both directions next month for the demolition of the Gene Field Road bridge, the Missouri Department of Transportation announced.
The closure is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, with the interstate expected to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9. Clarkson Construction Company is the contractor for the project.
During the closure, MoDOT will implement the following detours:
- Northbound I-29: Through traffic must exit at the I-229/I-29 split (Exit 43). Local access to northbound I-29 from Missouri Route 6 (Frederick Blvd.) will be closed.
- Southbound I-29: Through traffic must exit at the I-29/I-229/U.S. Route 71 split (Exit 56B). Local access to southbound I-29 from U.S. Route 169 (Exit 50) will be closed.
Gene Field Road will remain closed between Woodbine Road and Woodland Drive for the duration of the bridge replacement. The project, which is scheduled for completion in July 2026, will widen the bridge, replace the driving surface, and add sidewalks to both the north and south sides.
MoDOT officials noted that additional overnight lane closures on I-29 may occur between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. throughout the construction period. A 10.6-foot width restriction will also be in effect.
All work is weather-permitting and schedules are subject to change.