Joe Smith: MoDOT Lists 10 Work Zones to Watch Out For

JEFFERSON CITY – To help ensure your travels are as carefree as possible, the Missouri Department of Transportation has developed a list of 10 work zones to be on the lookout for this summer.

The list provides information on how the work zones will affect travel and for how long. A video and clickable map providing more details about the projects can be found at www.modot.org. In addition, information on work zones statewide is available up to a week in advance on the department’s Traveler Information Map located at www.modot.org or by calling toll-free 888-ASK-MoDOT. While most work zones will not be active over the Memorial Day weekend, it may be necessary for lane closures to remain in place.

Besides these highway improvements, more than 200 bridges are scheduled for work this year under the department’s Safe and Sound Bridge Improvement Program. In almost all cases, the bridges will be closed during construction to lower the cost and allow for speedy completion.

Motorists are asked to rate MoDOT’s work zones by visiting the department’s website – www.modot.org - and clicking on the Rate Our Work Zones button.

Ten Work Zones to Look Out For in 2010

1. Kansas City – kcICON - Interstate 29/35 reconstruction
   Interstate 29/35 from Route 210/Armour Road to the northeast corner of the downtown Kansas City central business district loop will have restricted lanes and various ramp closures through July 2011. Two restricted lanes will be open daily 6-8:30 a.m. and 3:30-6:30 p.m. Expect delays during both peak and non-peak hours. This project includes construction of the new, landmark Christopher S. Bond Missouri River Bridge. The route carries 102,000 vehicles per day. For more information, visit www.kcicon.com.
2. St. Louis - Interstate 270 and Dorsett/Page - interchange improvements
   Traffic on Interstate 270 at Dorsett will be diverted to a bypass with reduced lanes during construction of a new I-270 bridge over Dorsett. The project also includes construction of a second auxiliary lane on northbound I-270 between Olive and Page. Work will continue day and night through fall 2010. The project is estimated to impact 171,000 vehicles.
3. Springfield - Route 60/65 interchange reconstruction and six-laning project
   Highway work in southeast Springfield at the Route 60/Route 65 crossroads involves rebuilding an interchange; adding two new "flyover" directional ramps; building bridges to carry Route 60 traffic and ramp track over railroad tracks; and replacing, rehabilitating and widening several bridges. Lane and ramp closings will take place mainly at night. Delays are possible at the interchange due to traffic shifts and narrowed driving lanes. This portion of the project, scheduled for completion in October 2012, affects about 125,000 vehicles a day. In addition, eight miles of Route 65 between Route 60 and I-44 in east Springfield will be widened to six lanes. The project also includes replacing, rehabilitating and widening a number of bridges. Delays are possible due to traffic shifts, narrowed driving lanes and reduced speed limits. Work will be finished in October 2011.
4. Cape Girardeau, Perry and Pemiscot Counties - Interstate 55 improvements
   Work to improve northbound Interstate 55 from Route 61 at Fruitland to Route B at Biehle is under way. Traffic is shifted to use the southbound lanes and is running head-to-head from Route 61 to south of the Route KK ramps. The Route E northbound on and off ramps will also remain closed. The northbound lanes of Interstate 55 in Cape Girardeau and Perry counties carry approximately 8,300 vehicles daily. Completion is anticipated in fall 2010. In addition, improvements to northbound I-55 from Route U/J to Route 164 in Pemiscot County began this April. Traffic will be shifted to the southbound lanes only. This section of I-55 carries approximately 19,200 vehicles a day. Work is expected to be finished this summer.
5. Kansas City – Interstate 70 improvements
   MoDOT is rehabilitating 14 bridges on I-70 and improving the I-70 and I-435 interchange. To repair the bridges, I-70 will be reduced to two lanes on eastbound I-70 from downtown Kansas City to Van Brunt Boulevard until December. Afternoon rush hour eastbound traffic likely will be slowed into late fall. At the same time, work to improve access at I-70 and I-435 will impact more than 200,000 travelers heading to the Truman Sports Complex and other destinations. Work this summer is centered on 40 Highway and I-435 at the I-70 interchange. This project will slow traffic on the interstates and will close 40 Highway during the summer while a new bridge is constructed.
6. Jefferson City - U.S. 54 Eastbound/U.S. 63 Northbound Missouri River Bridge
   Construction of a pedestrian/bicycle attachment on the existing bridge will close the Main Street ramp. Lanes across the bridge will be narrowed and some lane closures may be necessary at times. Motorists should expect delays. The route carries nearly 50,000 daily motorists. Work will be ongoing through May 2011.
7. Franklin County – Lane additions and improvements on Interstate 44 between Pacific and Route 100
   This project consists of grading, drainage improvements, pavement replacement, a median closure and an additional lane added in both directions on I-44 between Pacific and the Route 100 (Washington) exit. This project will be completed in October 2010.
8. Crawford County - Interstate 44 resurfacing
   More than 10 miles of the eastbound lanes of I-44 from just west of Route H to the Franklin County line will be resurfaced under this project. Restricted lanes and various ramp closures will begin this fall. This area carries 30,000 vehicles per day, and motorists should anticipate delays during day and evening hours while work is in progress.
9. Andrew County - Interstate 29 Overpass (Safe & Sound bridge)
   Two bridges at the intersection of Routes 59/Business 71with I-29 will get new decks. MoDOT will close one bridge at a time and move traffic head-to-head on the other bridge via crossovers. Daily delays are expected during morning and evening commutes. Work will continue through December 2010. The project will impact about 10,000 vehicles a day.
10. Chillicothe - Resurfacing Route 65 from Route 36 at Chillicothe to Iowa
    This project involves resurfacing 57 miles across three counties of Route 65 from Chillicothe to the Iowa state line. Work includes shoulder improvements, as well as centerline and edgeline rumble strips. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in the work zone areas. Route 65 carries more than 10,000 vehicles per day depending on the location. Moderate delays can be expected. Work will begin in May and be completed late fall.