Travelers and residents along the stretch of North Outer Road in Phelps County will need to navigate around an emergency road closure today, as local crews from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) work diligently to replace a damaged culvert. The closure affects the segment of road between County Road 2000 and County Road 2070 on the historic Route 66 corridor, as detailed in an announcement from MoDOT.
The work, which is set to take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., will not completely cut off access for local property owners—they will still be able to reach their driveways, however through traffic will be rerouted requiring alternative paths for the duration of the closure; the news comes according to an official MoDOT statement.
While the road work aims to improve the long-term usability and safety of the road, it does come with a reminder for motorists: MoDOT urges all drivers to practice safe driving habits in and around the work zones. This includes wearing seat belts, refraining from phone use while driving, and abiding by all posted traffic signs. On top of the mentioned measures, there is an emphasis on the importance of slowing down and moving over in work zones, which is in the interests of both driver and worker safety.
The emergency culvert replacement schedule may change depending on the weather, as MoDOT continues to monitor forecasts and adjust plans accordingly. During this time, drivers are advised to stay alert in work zones, follow all posted signs, and avoid distractions to help ensure safety for both motorists and road crews.
