Southbound U.S. 169 will OPEN to traffic on the Buck O'Neil Bridge, Nov. 19

SB U.S. 169 and flyover ramp to I-35 will open to traffic on the bridge prior to 6 a.m. on Nov. 19.

JACKSON AND CLAY COUNTIES - Crews with the Buck O'Neil Bridge project will open southbound U.S. 169 on the bridge and the flyover ramp from SB U.S. 169 to I-35 prior to 6 a.m. (approximately) on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

Southbound U.S. 169 opening on the bridge is one of the last major milestones for the project. The flyover ramp from SB U.S. 169 to I-35 was constructed as part of the project and provides a direct connection that motorists traveling SB U.S. 169 have not had access to in the past.

Motorists traveling on SB U.S. 169 have utilized the detour or an alternative route since Feb. 6, 2023.

Ongoing closures through Friday, Nov. 22

• 3rd St. at 4th St. will be closed
• 3rd St. at Woodswether Rd. will be closed
• In addition, a MoDOT KC construction project to repair barrier wall is taking place on SB U.S. 169 from the on ramp at Richards Road to the beginning of the Buck O'Neil Bridge. This work requires a half mile lane closure through Friday, Nov. 22. For more information, visit https://www.modot.org/node/59214.

Pedestrian access on both bridge structures will not be open to pedestrian traffic until Dec. 2024.

As crews work to complete the project, motorists may notice additional intermittent closures in the project area including on NB/SB U.S. 169 through the end of 2024. All work is weather permitting.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was recently held to celebrate the completion of the new Buck O'Neil Bridge structure. The previous Buck O'Neil Memorial Bridge was built in 1956. Construction on the new bridge began in 2021 and is scheduled to be completed on time, at the end of 2024.

The new Buck O'Neil Bridge is anticipated to last for 100 years or more and will require much less costly maintenance. It will provide direct connections from Interstate 35 to U.S. Highway 169, dedicated lanes to downtown Kansas City, a new bike/pedestrian lane, access improvements at the downtown airport, and a scenic overlook with benches and murals.

#BuckBridge

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.

For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at www.modot.org/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on X, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity/. MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties. Sign up online for workzone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).