U.S. 54 Bridge Work Finishes Early in Jefferson City

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Travelers on U.S. 54 are seeing relief this week after the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) announced the early completion of bridge rehabilitation over Business Route 50/Missouri Boulevard. All lanes and ramps are now fully open, restoring traffic flow well before the original October deadline.

MoDOT officials said the accelerated progress was the result of strong coordination among construction crews who began work earlier this summer. In May, portions of U.S. 54 were reduced to one lane in each direction as part of a multi-bridge rehabilitation effort. In July, additional lane restrictions were put in place over Missouri Boulevard.

According to MoDOT, the project involved replacing joint seals, applying protective coating to the bridge substructure, and repairing and overlaying the bridge deck—essential maintenance to extend the lifespan of one of Jefferson City’s busiest corridors.

While this portion of work has wrapped up, MoDOT emphasized that two other projects along U.S. 54 remain active:

Neighorn Branch

Traffic is reduced to a head-to-head configuration with one lane in each direction. Work is scheduled to continue into early November.

Moreau River Drainage

Westbound lanes are narrowed to one lane, with completion expected by early October.

Officials are urging drivers to remain alert as work continues on these projects. “MoDOT continues to ask all drivers to wear their seatbelts, put their phones down, obey traffic signs, and slow down and move over in work zones,” the agency said in its release.

The early reopening of U.S. 54 over Business Route 50 is expected to ease congestion for commuters, commercial vehicles, and local businesses, especially with Jefferson City serving as a critical hub for regional travel. The project is part of MoDOT’s larger statewide effort to maintain infrastructure resilience and ensure safety across Missouri’s major highways.

For updates on ongoing projects and work zone safety resources, MoDOT encourages residents to visit modot.org.

Originally reported by Ava Gordon, Komu 8 Digital Producer in KOMU.