Traffic Patterns Changing on Buck O’Neil Bridge
Crews with the Buck O’Neil Bridge project will shift northbound U.S. 169 traffic from the existing bridge to one of the newly constructed river bridges by approximately the end of January. Updated information will be shared once an approximate date and time is available. During the traffic shift, motorists on NB U.S. 169 may notice a one-lane closure/flagging operations.
This traffic shift will allow for crews to begin work on demolishing the existing bridge and finishing work on the second river bridge structure.
The existing Buck O Neil bridge carried both northbound and southbound traffic. Right now, only northbound traffic is using the existing bridge. Southbound U.S. 169 traffic will remain detoured to I-29/I-35 (Christopher Bond Bridge) through fall 2024. This work will cause impacts to traffic and motorists are advised to plan ahead, leave early, or consider alternate routes if possible. All work is weather permitting.
With this traffic shift, motorists will no longer travel across the existing Buck O’Neil Bridge structure. The current Buck O’Neil Memorial Bridge was built in 1956 and is a triple arch bridge carrying U.S. Route 169 over the Missouri River, and serves as a key regional connection between downtown Kansas City and communities north of the river. While safe, the bridge is nearing the end of its projected service life. Construction began in 2021 and anticipated completion is Dec. 2024.
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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.
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