(KLZA)-- The Holt County U.S. Route 159 bridge over Interstate 29 (Exit 79) near Mound City is now open. 

Contractors from Boone Construction Co., working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, began a project to replace the bridge deck in late February and reopened the bridge to traffic Wednesday night.

The next phase of this two-part project, is underway as the contractor works to replace the U.S. Route 159 bridge over Penny Slu, just west of Route 111 near Fortescue. Crews expect to reopen the Penny Slu bridge in mid-August.

All work is weather-permitting, and schedules are subject to change.