Heads up, drivers and pedestrians in Missouri: The intersection upgrade at U.S. Route 59 and Alabama Street just hit a speed bump in its timeline. If you were expecting construction to begin on the first of April, you'll need to adjust your calendars. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has announced a slight detour in plans, with the pre-construction utility work necessitating a pushback in the start date now slated for April 21.
The project, aimed at enhancing safety and flow, will see Amino Brothers Co., Inc. take the helm, working to straighten out, and spruce up the roadways and sidewalks. The official statement released by MoDOT explains that this work "will improve sight distance, improve tractor-trailer turning movements, and increase capacity for vehicles stopped at the Route U railroad crossing." But during this time, locals are going to need to chart a new course with Alabama Street seeing closures between Route 59 and Sherman Street.
As for the specifics, Stage 1 focuses on Alabama Street close to Route 59's east side. The blueprint shows an alignment alongside the introduction of a right turn lanes pointing to and from Route 59, all designed to ease up those previously tight spots. Anyone interested in peering at the planned changes can find the Stage 1 graphic linked in MoDOT's release.
Expect detours. Alabama Street from Route 59 to Sherman Street won't be your path of choice for a while, starting April 21. Locals should prep for some detour signage as access to Lake Avenue and Brown Street is also put on pause. The construction crews will hold down the fort Monday through Friday, under the light of day, with this initial wave aiming for a mid-August completion. And before you know it, MoDOT will be signaling the next phase, promising to give everyone a heads-up as Stage 2 approaches.
