Bridge replacement over I-29 puts spotlight on work zone safety in Missouri  

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- With the Gene Field Road Bridge over Interstate 29 now being replaced, the Missouri Department of Transportation said this year’s Work Zone Awareness Week feels more important than ever. 

The week is all about keeping people safe—drivers, passengers and especially the crews working just feet away from traffic. 

Area engineer Matthew Stine said one of the biggest goal is for drivers to cut down on distracted driving. 

“Please put your cell phones down while you’re driving, especially in work zones because you want to be able to pay attention to everything around you,” Stine said.  

He emphasized that drivers play a major role in keeping work zones safe which means staying alert, avoiding distractions and really watching what’s happening on the road. 

He also pointed out about speed limits can change quickly in these areas.  

“Like the one over here is normally 65 but we reduced it down to 60 because we narrowed up the road lanes a little bit and so please pay attention to the posted speed limit,” Stine said.  

Work Zone Awareness Week happens every April, with a focus on reducing crashes and improving safety.  

The numbers show why it matters: crashes in work zones have been rising. 

“From 2021 to 2025, there has been 116 fatalities in Missouri and during the same years, there has been 5600 injuries in work zones,” Stine added.  

He also shared an update on the Gene Field Road Bridge project which was originally scheduled to be worked on in 2027.  

“It was struck by an overweight load this year and so we accelerated that timeline and moved that project up to this year,” Stine said.  

In the end, Stine hopes drivers will think a little more about the people working on the road—and stick to the basics that keep everyone safe.