ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The bridge replacement project on U.S. Route 59 at the Bankers Crossing Bridge in Buchanan County has been hit with some weather-related delays. The roadway is closed at the bridge as contractors tie the new bridge into the existing roadway.

Originally, contractors working with the Missouri Department of Transportation had planned to open the road and the new bridge as early as Thursday, Aug. 13, but weather delays has pushed the opening back. The contractor is now looking at a possible opening date of Aug. 28. All work is weather permitting and schedules are subject to change.

The bridge replacement project began earlier this year as contractors built a new, wider bridge alongside the old bridge, which was built in 1936, was only 24-feed wide with no shoulders, was structurally deficient and had limited sight distance due to the curve of the roadway. The new bridge had added shoulders and realigns the roadway