The Missouri Department of Transportation is hosting a public meeting in Hollister this evening, Thursday, October 22, to share additional insight into their proposed replacement of the Business Loop 65 Bridge in Hollister.
The meeting will take place at the Hollister Community Center, also known as the Hollister Depot, in downtown Hollister and will run from 4:30 to 6 p.m. MoDOT officials will host the meeting in a come-and-go format and will not be making a formal presentation. Area residents are encouraged to stop by the building at their convenience to learn more about the project.
With a proposed construction start date of Summer 2027 and a proposed completion date of Winter 2028, the estimated $5 million project will include the replacement of the Business Route 65 bridge over the MNA railroad between Esplanade Road and Whitehall Street in Hollister. The new proposed bridge structure will be constructed to be six feet and seven inches wider, and 37 feet longer than the current bridge. A pedestrian walkway will also be constructed on the north side of the bridge.
The bridge was originally built in 1937 and has undergone frequent repairs. Additionally, the bridge carries more than 9,600 vehicles a day, according to MoDOT.
During construction, Business Route 65 (Main Street/Veterans Boulevard) will be closed to traffic over the MNA railroad for up to two weeks as crews connect the roadway to the new bridge. MoDOT’s planned detours for the project include U.S. Route 65 and Missouri Route 76.
Throughout construction, Old Mill Road will remain open, however, drivers may encounter flaggers directing traffic through the work zone. Additionally, the intersection of Esplanade Drive and Business 65 will be closed for up to four months, which will provide the contractor with the space needed to construct the new bridge and to realign the intersection.
The Hollister Community Center is located at 294 Esplanade in Hollister. Any residents unable to attend the public meeting will have the chance to review the project and complete an online comment form between now and November 5 by visiting the project page at www.modot.org.
