TRAFFIC

Six shutdowns ahead from July through September due to U.S. 65 constructions

Will Schmitt
News-Leader

Impending construction on U.S. 65 means drivers will need to find several new detours over the next few months.

A stretch U.S. 65 in Springfield.

The Missouri Department of Transportation says the outer lanes of U.S. 65 are outdated and need to be replaced between Kearney and Sunshine streets. 

From July 10 to Sept. 1, a total of six closures are planned — three in each direction — to tear up and replace the pavement in the outer two northbound and southbound lanes, said Garen McElroy, a senior construction inspector with MoDOT.

"We'll be doing this in stages," McElroy said.

The 7-10 day closures will start with the southbound stretch between Kearney and Division, McElroy said. At that time, the ramp from Interstate 44 to U.S. 65 also will be closed.

McElroy said out-of-town drivers can take I-44 to James River Freeway to get to 65, and he encouraged locals to "get out there and find an alternate route" that works best for them.

After the first stage, southbound 65 will close between Division Street and Chestnut Expressway, followed by a closure of the lanes between Chestnut and Sunshine. 

Workers will then take a week off before turning around and rebuilding the northbound lanes starting Aug. 7, McElroy said.

He noted that inclement weather could delay the project and that partial closures could occur at nighttime while workers take care of other construction tasks. In addition to the new outer lanes, the project calls for improvements to ramps, guardrails and shoulders.

More information is available online at modot.org.