Attention, Springfield drivers: Starting Monday, July 7, you'll need to find an alternative route if your daily commute includes the Melville Road Bridge. Announced by the Missouri Department of Transportation, the bridge, also known as Farm Road 127, is set for a major overhaul that will not only replace the current structure but also widen it significantly from 26 to nearly 47 feet, 8 inches.
The construction is a hefty task, necessitating a complete closure of the bridge for up to 140 days. This includes a temporary, yet total shutdown of I-44 in both directions between Kansas Expressway (Route 13) and West Bypass (Route 160) for a weekend in July, from 9 p.m. July 11, to 9 p.m. July 12, as stated by MoDOT. Local residents, brace yourselves: Norton Road will also be inaccessible at Melville Road for around four weeks during the project span.
Not to leave anyone in the dark, MoDOT is proactively gathering community members on Tuesday, July 1, from 4:30 – 6 p.m. at The Library Station: Santa Fe Community Room, 2535 N Kansas Expressway, Springfield. A come-and-go style public meeting aims to lay out the details of the project and its impact on traffic, while also providing an avenue for dialogue and questions. Those concerned or curious about the project are encouraged to drop by during this window to get informed and have their queries addressed.
Detours will be in full swing as the construction takes place, with signage and message boards strategically placed to guide those on the road. Travelers are urged to reroute to alternatives such as West Bypass (Route 160), Kearney Street (Route 744), Kansas Expressway (Route 13), and Norton Road. MoDOT's up-to-the-minute Traveler Information Map is also available online to check for any road closures or traffic impacts that may arise. The essence, of commuter convenience is compromised, but not without plenty of prior notice and preparation.
The project, a joint cost-share with the City of Springfield, is shouldered financially at an estimated $5.1 million. With the contracted expertise of Hartman & Company, Inc., Springfield, MoDOT anticipates a completion date of December 31. Taking steps toward future-proofing Springfield’s infrastructure, the new bridge will feature an 8-foot multi-use path, marking an effort to cater to a variety of commuters
