Seldom does a single event — with the exception of a natural disaster — affect an entire community.
Within the next few days, the planned closure of the westbound U.S. 54/63 Missouri River Bridge will affect travel in much of Central Missouri for approximately four months.
Despite months of advance notice regarding the bridge painting and repair project, the degree of inconvenience and potential delays remains unknown. Even the time and date of the shutdown remains in doubt, although total closure is expected before morning rush hour Monday or Tuesday, depending on weather conditions.
Much will depend on how motorists, including daily commuters, react and respond to recommendations from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).
How can you help ease congestion and frustration during this period? In addition to practicing the so-called “zipper†merge, MoDOT asks motorists to monitor the Traveler Information Map at modot.org.
The map provides a variety of tools, including:
• Traffic incidents. Vehicle crashes and other incidents will inform drivers that the road is closed, to expect delays or that delays are possible.
• Real-time traffic flow. Green indicates traffic is moving normally, yellow shows traffic is moving at a medium rate and red means traffic is moving slowly.
• Traffic cameras. Four traffic cameras will provide a view of traffic on and near the bridges. The cameras are positioned on the east and west sides of the bridges, at the U.S. 50/Missouri Boulevard interchange and at Missouri west of Stadium Boulevard.
In addition to the map, motorists may use:
• Text alerts. Sign up to receive text alerts at modot.org/eupdate. The Missouri River Bridge option is located under the Central District heading.
• Email updates. Visit modot.org/central to sign up for periodic email updates on the project’s progress.
• Carpooling links. Links for people who want to carpool are available at modot.org/services/carpools/CarpoolConnections.htm.
• A 24-hour toll-free number. MoDOT’s toll-free number, 888-275-6636, is staffed continuously by customer service representatives who can provide the latest traffic information.
• Project website. Information about the project is updated regularly and can be found at modot.org/central.
From now through August, travelers to and from Jefferson City and points north are likely to experience traffic delays and inconvenience.
Frustration, impatience and fits of road rage won’t improve the situation. Preparation, patience and courtesy is the way to go.