If you're thinking about driving on the Vernon Sigars viaduct that links East Town to downtown Joplin, you'll need to find another route. The bridge closed to all traffic on Monday of this week to allow crews to complete repairs to the bridge’s expansion joints. City officials say taking action now will significantly extend the life of the structure that opened in 1985. The bridge is closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic for the duration of the project. The viaduct is expected to reopen on Friday, August 14.