Pavement, bridge work to close 63 exit ramp

More than 10,000 vehicles use ramp each day

A project to improve U.S. 63 between Columbia and Jefferson City will require the closure of the southbound connector ramp north of Jefferson City later this month.

Starting on Tuesday, Aug. 16, the southbound 63 exit ramp to U.S. 54 westbound will be closed for approximately two weeks. Missouri Department of Transportation officials said the closure is necessary to safely complete rehabilitation work on the bridge over Oilwell Road.

Motorists will be detoured around the closure, going east on 54 and using the Summit Drive intersection to turn around and head westbound. Message boards will be in place to inform drivers of the closure and detour.

“This ramp carries over 10,000 vehicles per day,” MoDOT Central District Engineer Machelle Watkins said. “We understand the inconvenience of this closure, particularly during morning commute periods. We encourage drivers to add additional time for their travel and to expect some delays if they are coming through the area.”

This work is part of a project to improve the driving surface and complete bridge rehabilitation work along 63 from Route B in Boone County to 54 north of Jefferson City. A contractor working for MoDOT is also

upgrading guardrail and making improvements to several bridges.

In the coming months, additional lane closures are planned for the northbound and southbound 63 bridges over Turkey Creek near Jefferson City, as well as the southbound 63 bridge over Bonne Femme Creek. MoDOT will alert the public of those closures with updates through signs, news releases and social media.

All of this work is weather permitting and could be delayed.