Route 96 bridge over 171 west of Carthage to be closed for four months

(From MoDOT)

Route 96 Bridge Over Route 171 in Jasper Co. CLOSED for Replacement Project Beginning May 12

Contractor crews are set to CLOSE Missouri Route 96 (Inca Road) bridge over Missouri Route 171 west of Carthage for up to 120 days beginning the week of May 12 to replace the bridge, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

The new bridge will be slightly higher and 12 feet longer than the current bridge. In addition, contractor crews also will install new guardrail, barrier walls and permanent striping.

The current bridge was built in 1974 and is in deteriorating condition. Approximately 850 vehicles cross the bridge daily.

Traffic Impacts

Route 96 CLOSED over Route 171 for up to 120 days west of Carthage

Route 171 will remain open for the duration of the project except for brief intervals during construction

Drivers will have access to driveways and entrances on either side of the bridge, but will not be able to travel over the bridge

Drivers will be directed along this signed detour route:

Westbound Loop 49/171 will be directed up and over the ramps

Eastbound Loop 49/96/171 will be directed up and over the ramps

Eastbound Route 96 will be directed west onto Loop 49/171 to the Old 66 Boulevard exit, then back east on Loop49/171

Westbound Oak Street/Inca Road/Route 96 will be directed west onto Loop 49/96/171 to northbound I-49 (Exit 53) Civil War Road (Exit 55), then back south on I-49 to westbound Route 96

Drivers should seek alternate routes

Signs and message boards will alert drivers to the closure

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or construction delays could alter the work schedule.

This project was originally scheduled for 2024, but was postponed due to design issues.

Project information:Contractor: Hartman & Company Inc., Springfield
Completion date: November 19, 2025
Estimated total cost: $2.8 million