Northbound MO Route 291 River Bridge reduced to one lane and reduced load posting,

JACKSON/CLAY COUNTIES - The northbound Missouri Route 291 river bridge in Sugar Creek, MO will be reduced to one lane and will have a new, lower load posting of 35 tons, beginning at approximately 3 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 22. Currently, the bridge is two lanes and load posted at 45 tons.

The northbound MO 291 river bridge will be closed from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 22, while crews complete the one-lane traffic configuration and install the signs for the new load posting.

Reconfiguring the bridge to one lane and reducing the posted load limit will allow the northbound MO 291 river bridge to remain open until it is replaced as part of the Missouri 291 River Bridge Design-Build Project, which will be awarded in late 2026.

The northbound MO 291 river bridge was completed in 1949. While safe, the bridge is nearing the end of its service life. The upcoming design-build project will include the replacement of the NB MO 291 river bridge and rehabilitation of the southbound MO 291 river bridge.

Motorists traveling northbound on MO 291 will be required to follow a zipper-merge pattern beginning just past Courtney Rd. A zipper merge requires drivers in both lanes to take turns merging every other car at the point of the lane closure. For more information about a zipper merge, visit Zipper Merge | Missouri Department of Transportation.

Short-term closures on the NB MO 291 river bridge may be needed in the coming months in the future for the installation of more permanent traffic control devices across the bridge.

Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. 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 work zone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).