COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is advising Interstate 70 travelers to be prepared for slower travel west of Columbia next weekend as demolition of the Sorrels Overpass Drive bridge takes place.

The overpass, located at mile marker 122, was significantly damaged by a passing truck on Monday, October 18. The damages resulted in the closure of the bridge over I-70 and, in order to complete demolition as soon as possible, the acceleration of the replacement project that was originally scheduled to take place in 2022.

That demolition will begin the evening of Friday, November 5 and will be complete by the morning of Monday, November 8. The work will require overnight lane closures on Interstate 70 at the bridge, as well as rolling roadblocks throughout the weekend, lasting approximately 15 minutes.

MoDOT says the work and closures will cause delays throughout the weekend and strongly encourages travelers to find alternate routes.

“While we are working to limit traffic impacts as much as possible, drivers will experience slower traffic and longer commutes as they come through the area on I-70,” said MoDOT Assistant District Engineer Randy Aulbur. “We appreciate motorists’ patience and cooperation as we move through the demolition process.”

Aulbur says those who need to use this route should allow for extra travel time and use extreme caution when traveling through the work zone.

MoDOT will update motorists of all upcoming closures through digital signs on the road, social media, news releases and the Traveler Information Map.

Construction on the new bridge is scheduled to begin in late winter or early spring. More details on the project can be found at www.modot.org/sorrelsoverpass.