Holt County U.S. Route 159 from Route 111 at Big Lake to Rulo, Nebraska, was opened to traffic September 6. The route was closed due to flooding in late March. Crews from Phillips Hardy Inc., working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, began the process of removing debris and completing extensive roadway repairs in late April as weather conditions allowed. Route 111 (Lake Shore Drive) from Route 118 to U.S. Route 159 and Route 118 from Route P to Route 11 were also reopened September 6.

Due to the upcoming replacement projects of both the Little Tarkio Creek Bridge at Fortescue and Penny Slu Bridge west of Route 111 near Fortescue, sections of U.S. Route 159 east of Route 111 at Big Lake will remain closed. Construction is expected to begin on both bridges in the fall of 2019, weather depending.

During the closure traffic will be directed along a signed detour route from Interstate 29 at Mound City to Route 118, west to Route 111 and south to U.S. Route 159. All work is weather permitting and subject to change. Motorists are urged to use caution and obey all traffic control, including not moving or going around barricades and following posted detours.

To keep up-to-date on the progress on the roadway recovery projects by MoDOT and its contractors, visit the NW Missouri Flooding page at www.modot.org/2019-northwest-missouri-flooding. Go to the map, click on the highlighted route you are interested in, and it will give you up-to-date information on plans and progress. The web page also has pictures of the damage and repair efforts.