Bridge connecting Katy Trail to Hermann to be closed M-F 7am-5pm starting April 22nd, 2024

MoDOT has announced that the bike/ped path connecting the Katy Trail to Hermann, MO (the path on the Christopher S. Bond Bridge that carries Hwy 19 into Hermann) will be closed temporarily during bridge maintainance, starting as soon as April 22nd, 2024. 

The Christopher S. Bond Bridge bike/ped path, connecting the Katy Trail across the Missouri River to the city of Hermann, will be closed temporarily weekdays Spring 2024 for construction & maintenance.

The work also affects the Loutre River Bridge on Hwy 19, which is just south of the Katy Trail at McKittrick.  Katy Trail riders visiting Hermann typically ride the shoulder of Hwy 19 south of McKittrick to the Christopher Bond Bridge, then use the bike/ped path to cross the Missouri River.  So maintenance work on the Loutre River Bridge may disrupt bicycle use of the shoulder there, requiring bicyclists to ride with other traffic through the construction zone.

Closures will continue 7am-5pm Monday-Friday as long as work on the bridge continues - which could be into May or possibly even June depending on whether an other factors.  

The path will be open before 7am and after 5pm daily, as well as on weekends.  Also, starting in May work will end, and the path will be open, by noon Fridays.

Traveling cyclists needing to visit Hermann during this period may be able to use the Hermann Trolley.

It sounds as though closures will be only when work is ongoing, so they will be temporary and may be sporadic.

Here is MoDOT's press release about the closure:

Temporary Closures Scheduled for Katy Trail Over Missouri River Bridge at Hermann

HANNIBAL – Two bridge rehabilitation projects began earlier this month on Missouri Route 19 in Montgomery County, located over the Missouri River and the Loutre River north of Hermann. As work progresses on the bridge rehabilitation projects, cyclists and pedestrians wishing to access the Katy Trail on Missouri Route 19, over the Missouri River at Hermann, will be impacted by temporary closures of the shared use path.  As early as April 22, painting and deck sealing operations will necessitate daily closures of the path, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Temporary traffic impacts will continue between Missouri Route 94, south of McKittrick, and Missouri Route 100 in Hermann.  Traffic will remain reduced to one lane during the day, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with the exception of Fridays in May, when all lanes will be open by noon).  Flaggers will direct motorists through the work zone.  For the duration of the project, a 12-foot width restriction will remain in place while workers are present. All work is weather dependent and schedules are subject to change. For the safety of the crews and the traveling public, we would like to remind drivers to be attentive in work zones and make smart, safe driving choices behind the wheel, including putting down your cell phone to eliminate distractions.   Thomas Industrial Coatings, Inc. was awarded the contract earlier this year in the amount of $1,694,448. Work is scheduled to be completed by mid-summer. For more information on this and other projects in your area, please contact MoDOT’s Customer Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK MODOT (275-6636). Work Zone Awareness Week is April 15 – 19.  Work with us in the work zone!  Please remember to obey all work zone signs and personnel.  With an increased number of highway work zones in Missouri, we urge all drivers to pay attention every second while driving, especially through a work zone.  Be informed of your route by checking the MoDOT Traveler Information Map before you leave to see if you will encounter any work zones.