WASHINGTON - Missouri Department of Transportation, along with its contractor, St. Louis Bridge Construction Company, has postponed the traffic switch for Stage 3 on the Route 47 Missouri River Bridge to Saturday, October 10, due to inclement weather. Stage 3 and 4 of the rehabilitation project will involve work on the south half of the bridge. The northbound lane will be closed with one-way traffic moving on the southbound lane. Each stage will last approximately one month that includes the following closures:

• Fifth Street at Route 47 will close, except for right turns from northbound and southbound Route 47.
• All access to Sixth Street at Route 47 will close.
• Third Street, First Street and Missouri Avenue will remain closed at Route 47.
• Motorists traveling northbound and southbound on Route 47 will be allowed to make right turns onto 5th Street.

This work is part of the rehabilitation project on the Route 47 Bridge, which is located at the Franklin and Warren Counties line. MoDOT and St. Louis Bridge Construction Company have been working together to reduce as much impact to motorists as possible. The project is still expected to be complete in December 2009.                                               

MoDOT encourages motorists to alter their travel times across the bridge during non-peak hours when possible. MoDOT also urges motorists to carpool or use school buses when possible and to plan ahead to allow plenty of time for these delays.     

Below are some helpful tips for driving in work zones to Arrive Alive:
-Buckle Up! - Every trip, every time - safety belts save lives.
-Stay Alert! - Dedicate your full attention to the roadway.
-Follow Signs! - They'll guide you through work zones safely.
-Expect the Unexpected! - Watch for flaggers, workers and equipment.
-Pay Attention! - Turn the radio down and don't use your cellular phone.
-Be Patient! - Remember workers are improving the road for future travels.
-Don't Speed! - Follow posted limits and adjust for weather conditions.
-Don't Drink and Drive! - Impairment of any kind is unacceptable.
-Be Nice! - Merge early, don't tailgate and don't change lanes in a work zone.

Plan ahead to avoid work zone by calling 1-888-ASK-MODOT or visiting our website at http://www.modot.org/.

                                                                             ###