HANNIBAL – Motorists on Interstate 70 are advised of lane closures resulting in significant delays due to the removal of the old Route 19 bridge at the New Florence/Hermann exit at mile marker 175 in Montgomery County. Weather permitting, October 22 beginning at 7 p.m., I-70 will be reduced to one lane in each direction and traffic will be rerouted over the on/off ramps at the mile marker 175 interchange. In case of inclement weather, this work could be rescheduled on October 29.
Delays could stretch up to 10 miles in either direction. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the area from 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 22 through the afternoon on Monday, October 23. In preparation of the Sunday night bridge demolition, crews will also be restricting I-70 to one lane from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on the nights of October 17 through 20 at the Rte. 19 New Florence (mile maker 175) interchange.
For the safety of motorists and the construction team, here are the details of the traffic impacts in place for beginning 7 p.m. on October 22:
- I-70 traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction and will be rerouted over the on/off ramps at the Rte. 19 & I-70 interchange (mile maker 175).
- I-70 and Rte. 19 traffic will be completely stopped at approximately 10 p.m. on October 22 for a brief period of up to 20 minutes.
- The I-70 North and South Outer Roads, east of Rte. 19 will be closed to westbound through traffic with only local residential traffic allowed between Rte. 19 and High Hill.
- The I-70 North and South Outer Roads, west of Rte. 19 will be closed to eastbound through traffic with only local residential traffic allowed from the Danville interchange to Rte. 19.
- During this time, while temporary modified traffic patterns are in place, a 10-foot width restriction will be in effect for all traffic utilizing the detour on the ramps at this interchange.
To alleviate congestion, motorists are strongly encouraged to utilize alternate routes for travel.
After the 10 p.m. short-term stoppage of traffic, Rte.19 will be reopened to traffic, and I-70 traffic will continue to be rerouted over the on/off-ramps until the interstate is ready to be reopened in the afternoon of October 23. The I-70 traffic will be given priority at the interchange to all other traffic.
Contractor crews with Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. have worked to expedite the construction of the new bridge and interchange improvements, accomplishing this over two months ahead of schedule.
Work with us in the work zone! Please remember to obey all work zone signs and personnel. Please pay attention, put your phone down, wear your seat belt and slow drive as you drive through a work zone. Be informed of your route by checking the MoDOT Traveler Information Map before you leave to see if you will encounter any work zones.