More closures coming as part of Buck O’Neil Bridge replacement. Here’s what to know
Drivers traveling in the downtown loop can expect to see more closures due to construction to replace the Buck O’Neil Bridge over the Missouri River, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.
Crews on Monday will close the ramps from eastbound Interstate 70 and Beardsley Road to Broadway Boulevard and Sixth Street. The ramps, which are in the northwest corner of the downtown highway loop, will remain closed just under three months.
The ramp closings are part of $220 million project to replace the aging Buck O’Neil Bridge near the Wheeler Downtown Airport.
The bridge, which opened in 1956 and was formerly known as the Broadway Bridge, is nearing the end of its projected lifespan. It is a key connection between the Northland and downtown Kansas City.
Massman-Clarkson, A Joint Venture, is the design-build contractor chosen for the project, which is expected to be completed in 2024. The team includes the following Massman Construction Co., Clarkson Construction Co. and HNTB Corporation, all of Kansas City.
Drivers through the area have already faced closings because of the project. In mid-March, crews closed:
- The ramp from westbound Interstate 670 to northbound Interstate 35
- Northbound I-35 at the 12th Street exit
- The ramps from northbound I-35 to Broadway Boulevard and eastbound and westbound Interstate 70
Those closings were expected to last 275 days.
