ST. LOUIS – Drivers on I-55 between Virginia and River Des Peres should expect a major traffic shift starting next week, as MoDOT begins the final stage of a long-running bridge rehabilitation project.

On Thursday, May 29, crews will move two lanes of northbound traffic back to the northbound lanes. Southbound traffic will also shift the following week, sharing the northbound side while bridge work continues. Two through lanes will remain open in each direction during the transition.

Crews will then begin rehabilitation work on the last two of 26 bridges over the Union Pacific tracks and Koeln Avenue on southbound I-55. Several ramp closures will follow, including Loughborough, Germania, and Virginia. 

MoDOT says the $63 million project, awarded to KCI Construction, faced delays after a subcontractor damaged bridge girders in 2023. 

“The contractor is required to pay damages for missing certain milestones where roads should be opened,” said Tom Blair, MoDOT engineer. “The contractor has a vested interest in ensuring work is complete to minimize those damages.  Our main focus, right now, remains getting the construction completed and lanes reopened to traffic.  When that is complete, the department will determine damages due to the delays.”

Despite a contract deadline of May 2025, officials expect work to wrap by late 2025 or early 2026. Resurfacing along I-55 continues separately and should finish by summer 2026.