BRIDGE SPEED LIMIT TO DROP AFTER REPAIRS ARE COMPLETED

The speed limit on the Mississippi River Bridge will drop from 40 mph to 25 mph after repairs are completed Thursday.

Although the bridge is safe, reducing the speed limit is a precautionary measure, said Randy Hitt, area engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation. "We are continuing with our preventative approach to preserving the structure."

Repairs are being made to a floor beam near the center of the bridge today and Thursday. It was closed last week when the repairs began.

The bridge will be closed to traffic from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. today. It will be reduced to one-lane traffic for two hours preceding and following the closure.

Traffic will again be reduced to one-lane Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. At least 10 to 15 minute delays are expected.

Motorists are urged to use alternate routes for crossing the Mississippi River. For information, call the MoDOT Customer Service Center at (888) ASK-MODOT or (888) 275-6636.