Déjà vu? I-435 bridge repairs expected to cause significant delays for weeks in south KC

Drivers might have a sense of déjà vu if they get stuck again in traffic jams caused by bridge repairs along westbound Interstate 435 in south Kansas City.

Crews will be back to replace an expansion joint on a bridge between the Three Trails Crossings, formerly known as the Grandview Triangle, and 103rd Street beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Transportation.

During the work, westbound I-435 will be reduced to two lanes. The project is expected to take just over two weeks, with the work ending Dec. 22.

“This closure will be in place 24/7 during this time period and is anticipated to cause significant delays,” said Lairyn McGregor, a spokeswoman for MoDOT’s Kansas City District in the news release.

The highways likely to be affected with traffic tie-ups during the repairs include westbound Interstate 470, northbound Interstate 49, southbound and westbound I-435 and southbound U.S. 71. Drivers are being encouraged to plan ahead, leave early or find other routes.

For drivers having the feeling that this has happened before, it has. Just two months ago, an overnight failure of a bridge’s expansion joint led to major traffic delays for those driving through the Three Trails Crossings. Crews made repairs, but MoDOT said a longer-term repair would need to be performed.

In addition to I-435 being reduced to two lanes through that area, the repairs will require the following ramp closures:

• One lane on the ramp from southbound I-435 to westbound I-435 will be closed. One lane will remain open.

• Two lanes on the ramp from westbound I-470 to westbound I-435 will be closed. One lane will remain open.

• The ramp from southbound U.S. 71 to westbound I-435 will be closed.

• The ramp from Bannister Road to westbound I-435 will be closed.

Drivers should check KC Scout cameras at http://www.kcscout.net or consult real-time traffic on WAZE app.