MoDOT shares details on Gene Field Road Bridge replacement

By: Darren Doyle

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The Missouri Department of Transportation held a public meeting to discuss the expedited bridge replacement project for the Gene Field Road ridge over Interstate 29.  

The project was originally slated to begin in August 2026; however, an oversized load struck the girder underneath the bridge, which supports the concrete for the structure. The department decided to escalate the plan.

MoDOT officials said the bridge sees an estimated 6,000 cars per day, and were worried that the pressure of heavy vehicles would have caused more structural issues. 

Along with this being a busy bridge, Transportation Project Designer for MoDOT, Timothy Minor, shared that the bridge closure is causing traffic issues at other intersections near Frederick Avenue and Cook Road. 

The new bridge, once completed, will have decorative liners and feature sidewalks that connect to nearby walking pathways.

Drivers and walkers can also expect the bridge to be wider. The current bridge is 22 feet wide and is expected to be around 26 feet wide once the project is completed.

The project is in the letting process for contractor bidding. Once the project is awarded, construction can begin on Jan. 16.

MoDOT said the new bridge is expected to be completed by July 2026. 

Traffic on I-29 will be closed for a 24-hour-period over a weekend, which is expected to be determined at a later date. MoDOT said drivers should expect rolling closures beneath the bridge while new beams are being set. 

During closures, through traffic will be directed to I-229. 

MoDOT said updated information can be found on the project's website.