Here's the latest update from Andrew Gates, Communications Specialist, Missouri Department Of Transportation:
Currently, our contractor is working on curbing and sidewalks in the area, as well as some initial work to widen the ramps from eastbound and westbound I-44 to Big Bend. Rather than closing the ramps to do this work, crews are pushing traffic to one side of the ramp doing the widening on the other side, to reduce the impact to commuters heading to Big Bend. They are also doing some preliminary work for the bases for the new signals.
We did want to make sure that we let you know about the current plans for closing the bridge to start replacement work. Right now, we may have the right lane closed on the bridge the week of April 4-8 during off-peak hours to prepare the bridge for removal. We will close I-44 in both directions at the bridge the weekend of April 8-11 to remove the bridge. Interstate traffic will be able to travel up and over the ramps at Big Bend during the interstate closure.
The bridge will be closed through about Labor Day. MoDOT must use state routes for detours as much as possible, so local drivers may choose to use other routes besides those officially signed as detours. During the bridge closure, drivers on northbound Big Bend heading to the west will be detoured to eastbound I-44, where they can turn around at Elm to head west. Drivers on southbound Big Bend heading east will be detoured to westbound I-44 where they can turn around at Lindbergh to head east.
MODOT has more information posted on their website at:
https://www.modot.org/big-bend-over-i44