Lane reductions begin May 12 on Mark Twain Memorial Bridge with full closure on May 30; expected to last a month

HANNIBAL, Mo. – The bridge rehabilitation project to make essential structural repairs on the Interstate 72/U.S. 36 Mark Twain Memorial Bridge near Hannibal is scheduled to begin on May 12. At that time, traffic will be reduced to one lane on eastbound and westbound I-72/U.S. 36 over the bridge, with a 12-foot width restriction in place.

On May 30, the bridge will close for up to 30 days, as the repairs at that stage cannot be completed under traffic.  MoDOT has issued an emergency contract and is working with the contractor to make these repairs as quickly as possible, including incentives should the crews restore one lane of traffic in each direction earlier than 25 days. 

These repairs are being completed to prevent further deterioration of the bridge during the summer months, where heat contributes to increased stress on the bridge that may widen existing cracks and create new ones. The closure period is dependent on weather and any issues that may arise during this work.   

During the closure, traffic will be detoured to cross the Mississippi River at West Quincy. Travelers in Missouri will utilize U.S. 61 to U.S. 24 to West Quincy.  Motorists in Illinois will use Interstate 72 to Interstate 172 to Illinois 104 to reach Missouri. Message boards and signs will be in place in Illinois and Missouri to alert motorists of the closure with signed detours.

The next closest option to cross the Mississippi River would be south, going from U.S. 61 to U.S. 54 and taking the Champ Clark Bridge at Louisiana.