Progress Update for Route 66 Improvement Project for Week of Oct. 19

Joplin - A project to make pavement, sidewalk, traffic and safety improvements along Missouri Route 66 (7th Street) in Joplin is underway. Here is an update of the work scheduled for the week of October 19.

Drivers are reminded that access to all businesses along Route 66 (7th Street) will be maintained during hours of operation.

Work scheduled:

• Contractor installing new storm sewer on the north side of Route 66 (7th Street) between Highland Avenue and Patterson Avenue
• Florida Avenue currently CLOSED on both sides of Route 66 (7th Street) for pavement replacement, installation of new traffic signal infrastructure and to accommodate temporary traffic shift
• Contractor removing pavement on south side of Route 66 (7th Street) between Florida Avenue and Ozark Avenue
• Contractor coordinating with utility companies to complete traffic signal installation at Florida Avenue
• Preparing for future closure of St. Louis Avenue pending completion of work at Florida Avenue
• Liberty Electric relocating light poles on north side of Route 66 (7th Street) between School Avenue and St. Louis Avenue
• Liberty Electric coordinating relocation of light poles with other utilities between Main Street and Virginia Avenue
• Missouri American Water relocating water line at Schifferdecker Avenue
• Missouri American Water working between Wall Avenue and Main Street
• Missouri American Water coordinating with other utilities between Pennsylvania Avenue and Kentucky Avenue
• Spire crews working on gas line relocation on north side of Route 66 (7th Street) at Schifferdecker Avenue
• City of Joplin working on sanitary sewer relocation on Kentucky Avenue north of Route 66 (7th Street)
• City of Joplin preparing additional work for pipe crossing under Route 66 (7th Street) at Kentucky Avenue
• City of Joplin preparing for sidewalk replacement east of Ozark Avenue
• AT&T preparing for relocation work at alley way between Pearl Avenue and Wall Avenue
• Bluebird Fiber coordinating with other contractors for fiber relocation work
• Sparklight coordinating with other contractors for fiber relocation work

Traffic Impacts:

• At least one lane of Route 66 (7th Street) OPEN in both directions
• Access to all business will be maintained during hours of operation
• Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone
• No signed detours
• Check MoDOT's Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.

Project Details:

The project will make improvements along the Route 66 (7th Street) corridor in Joplin between Jasper County Route P (Schifferdecker Avenue) and Loop 49 (Range Line Road).

As part of this project, the contractor will rebuild the pavement, bring sidewalks up to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and upgrade and replace several traffic signals along the corridor.

This contract also includes a project to rehabilitate the Oak Street bridge over I-49 in Carthage. That project is likely to start in 2027.

Project Information:

• Prime Contractor: D&E Plumbing & Heating LLC, Nixa
• Construction Cost: $61.6 million
• Contract Completion Date: December 1, 2028

For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest . To receive the latest news and text alerts, sign up for e-updates .

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