Improve I-70 project will close section of U.S. 63 starting Monday

Work is continuing on the state's Improve I-70 project and will impact traffic on U.S. Highway 63 between the Interstate 70/63 connector and exit for Broadway/Route WW starting Monday.

Southbound lanes will shift creating a head-to-head configuration throughout construction of a new bridge between the Broadway overpass and the Conley Road underpass. Traffic control devices will separate north and southbound traffic, which will have reduced speeds and lane widths of 10 feet. Exit and entrance ramps remain open, but will have new traffic patterns, as well.

This section of U.S. 63 sees more than 52,000 vehicles per day, so motorists are highly encouraged to slow down, use extra caution and be patient when traveling through the work zone as delays are expected during peak travel times, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

Traffic will shift again once the southbound bridge is built so the northbound bridge can be built. These new bridges will allow an underpass from from Conley Road directly into the I-70/63 connector. Construction of both bridges is expected to take 10 months, finishing potentially by August.

This new underpass is part of the first phase of construction for connector improvements associated with the Improve I-70 project that will make I-70 six lanes statewide.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Improve I-70 project will close section of U.S. 63 starting Monday