Major freeway closures over the weekend

I-470 will create a headache for motorists this weekend as the Missouri Department of Transportation will reduce multiples areas of Interstate 470 to one lane this weekend. They begin tonight.

MoDOT is repairing 15 bridges along I-470 from Blue Ridge Boulevardto the I-70 interchange in 2017 and 2018.

The closures will take place in both directions beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 29, until approximately 5 a.m. on Monday, July 2. This work is all a part of the extensive I-470 bridge rehabilitation project that is repairing over a dozen bridges along the I-470 corridor through approximately November 2018. All work is weather permitting.

• In Independence, crews will reduce northbound and southbound I-470 to ONE LANE from 39^th Street to the Little Blue River just south of Highway 40 beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 29, until approximately 5 a.m. on Monday, July 2.This left lane c losure is for pavement work in preparation of extensive bridge repairs at the I-470/Route 291 and I-70 Interchange, Highway 40, and Little Blue River tentatively scheduled to begin in August 2018.
• In Lee’s Summit, crews will reduce westbound and eastbound I-470 to ONE LANE from James A. Reed Road to Three Trails Crossing (Grandview Triangle) beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 29, until approximately 5 a.m. on Monday, July 2. This lane reduction is so that crews can shift traffic to the inside lanes of  I-470 to complete the work on the outside portion of the Blue Ridge Blvd. and Kansas City Southern Railroad bridges. Afterwards, this stretch of I-470 will remain reduced to two lanes until approximately August.

MoDot says these lane reductions will have major impacts to traffic. Due to potential holiday traffic, motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and to find an alternate route if necessary.

The department reminds motorists that all work zones are NO PHONE zones.

Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can be moving operations, such as striping, patching or mowing. They can also be short term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris from the roadway.