Kansas City, MO – Drivers traveling through Jackson and Clay counties should expect delays today as the northbound Missouri Route 291 river bridge in Sugar Creek is reduced to one lane for long-term safety improvements.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), crews began reconfiguring traffic on the northbound MO 291 river bridge at approximately 3 p.m. Monday. The lane reduction follows a temporary full closure earlier in the day, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., to allow workers to install new signage and adjust traffic patterns.
MoDOT officials say the change is tied to a revised load posting on the bridge. The updated limits restrict traffic to 35 tons for single-unit vehicles and 45 tons for combination units, reflecting the bridge’s current condition. The lane reduction and weight limits will remain in place until the bridge is replaced, which is expected to occur as part of the Missouri 291 River Bridge Design-Build Project, scheduled for award in late 2026.
The impacted stretch is located just past Courtney Road in Sugar Creek, affecting commuters traveling between Jackson County, Clay County, and the greater Kansas City metro area. Delays are expected during peak travel hours, particularly for commercial vehicles.
MoDOT is urging motorists to use a zipper merge, a method where drivers use both lanes until the merge point and then alternate merging. Transportation officials say this approach can reduce backups by as much as 40 to 50 percent and helps prevent road rage caused by uneven lane usage.
Drivers are advised to watch for new signage, allow extra travel time, and remain patient while crews complete the transition to the new traffic configuration.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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