Drivers and residents in Buchanan County should expect a bit of a shuffle in their daily commute as a new construction project at the intersection of U.S. Route 59 and Alabama Street has been pushed back. Originally set to commence on Tuesday, March 18, Stage 1 of the intersection improvements will now begin on April 1 due to additional pre-construction utility work needing to be completed in the area.
The delay was announced via Missouri Department of Transportation's website, where details of the planned roadway renovations are outlined. The upgrade aims to enhance traffic flow, increase vehicle capacity at the Route U railroad crossing, and generally improve safety for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. A contract has been given to Amino Brothers Co., Inc. to handle the realignment of roadways, addition of sidewalks and storm drainage, and development of new turn lanes.
For Stage 1, the focus will be on Alabama Street (Route 752) between Route 59 and Sherman Street. This stage involves realigning Alabama Street to the east side of Route 59 and installing right turn lanes to facilitate movements to and from Route 59. A graphic of Stage 1 can be viewed by those interested in the specifics of road closures and traffic re-routing.
Traffic adjustments during this period will include the closure of Alabama Street between Route 59 and Sherman Street, alongside limited access to Lake Avenue and Brown Street. Motorists will need to find alternate routes around the closures. Crews are scheduled to work Monday through Friday in the daylight hours, with Stage 1 projected for completion by mid-August 2025. Details for Stage 2 and subsequent phases will be communicated as each phase draws closer to inception, as per MoDOT.
MoDOT, aware of the inconveniences that come with construction work, requests patience and cooperation from drivers. They urge the public to prioritize safety—buckling up, avoiding phone use, slowing down, and being mindful of work zones. For those looking to plan ahead, MoDOT provides a resource at traveler.modot.org, where information about ongoing work zones can be easily accessed. Updates are also available at any time by calling 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or by visiting the MoDOT website.
Residents wanting to remain informed on the project's progression can sign up for eUpdates. With all work is subject to weather conditions and potential scheduling changes, staying up-to-date can help mitigate some of the inconveniences posed by construction projects such as this one.
