Gene Field Road Bridge reopens 18 months ahead of schedule following replacement

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)-- The Gene Field Road Bridge officially reopened Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the bridge replacement project. 

Marty Liles, district engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation's Northwest District, said finishing the project 18 months ahead of schedule was a testament to the teamwork and support from the City of St. Joseph. 

“It was one of the unfortunate incidents that happened with the bridge. We had it under construction for a completion in December of 2027, and unfortunately, we had a superload that came through and damaged it,” he said.  

Despite that setback, Liles said he's proud of the team for completing the project well ahead of schedule. 

KQ2 will update this story.