The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has announced that a portion of Missouri Route 291 will be reduced from two lanes to one lane starting next week. The change affects the northbound Missouri 291 river bridge in Sugar Creek, Missouri, and is part of ongoing efforts to maintain safety until the bridge is fully replaced in 2026.
MoDOT officials said the lane reduction will take effect on December 22. On that day, the river bridge will close temporarily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. while crews reconfigure the roadway for one-lane traffic. After this work is completed, the bridge will remain open to vehicles but with only a single lane in each direction.
Drivers will also encounter a load posting of 35 tons for vehicles crossing the bridge. This restriction is intended to prevent damage to the aging structure, which was originally built in 1949. The bridge has served thousands of vehicles daily, and the lane reduction is part of a strategy to extend its lifespan until a full replacement is completed in late 2026.
MoDOT is asking drivers to follow a zipper merge pattern just past Courtney Road. This traffic pattern allows vehicles from both lanes to merge smoothly into a single lane, helping reduce congestion and accidents during peak hours. Officials stressed the importance of patience and caution while traveling across the bridge.
Short-term lane closures may still occur in the coming months. These will allow crews to install more permanent traffic control devices and ensure that the bridge remains safe for the public. While these closures may cause minor delays, MoDOT said they are essential for maintaining traffic flow and safety.
The upcoming changes highlight the challenges of maintaining older infrastructure while continuing to support daily traffic. Missouri Route 291 serves as a key route for commuters, commercial vehicles, and local traffic. Reducing the bridge to one lane is a temporary measure, but it ensures that the bridge can safely carry vehicles for the next several years.
MoDOT has encouraged drivers to plan ahead and consider alternative routes if possible during work periods. Local residents and commuters are advised to monitor traffic updates and be prepared for changes in travel times. The department has also increased signage in the area to alert drivers of the new lane configuration and weight limits.
The bridge has long been a vital crossing point over the river, connecting communities in Sugar Creek and surrounding areas. Its full replacement in 2026 is part of a larger plan to modernize Missouri’s transportation infrastructure. Until then, careful management of traffic and structural load is necessary to keep the bridge safe.
Officials say that while the lane reduction may be inconvenient, it is a necessary step to avoid a full closure of the bridge. Maintaining one lane allows for continued access while ensuring that the bridge does not suffer additional strain from two-lane traffic.
MoDOT’s efforts to update traffic control devices include installing barriers, new signage, and lane markings. These measures will improve safety for drivers and help prevent accidents as vehicles navigate the narrower bridge.
Residents and daily commuters can expect smoother travel in the long term once the bridge replacement is complete. The department will continue to provide updates on construction schedules, closures, and traffic patterns to keep the public informed.
Missouri Route 291 bridge serves thousands of vehicles daily, including commercial trucks and local commuters. This temporary lane reduction and weight restriction aim to balance safety with continued access. MoDOT urges drivers to stay alert, follow posted signs, and practice safe driving while crossing the bridge.
With careful planning and adherence to traffic guidelines, officials say the bridge can remain operational and safe until its scheduled replacement in 2026. The lane reduction is a proactive measure to ensure the bridge continues to serve the public without major disruptions.
