Heads up, Missouri drivers: roadwork is coming your way later this month, with the Missouri Department of Transportation announcing lane closures across Lawrence, McDonald, and Taney counties starting next Thursday due to the installation of a new high-friction surface treatment intended to improve vehicular traction and safety. According to MoDOT, this is part of a statewide initiative, with a completion deadline set for October 1.
The work is extensive, covering key routes including parts of Missouri Route 39 north of Aurora in Lawrence County and a stretch of I-49 near Pineville in McDonald County, while Taney County will see improvements on Route F and Missouri Route 76 at various points; MoDOT has mapped out the exact locations for these upgrades but commuters should brace themselves for traffic slow-downs as lanes condense to accommodate the crews from WJ Surface Treatments, the Atlanta-based prime contractor leading the $987,000 project. While flaggers and pilot cars will be there to direct the flow, drivers are encouraged to wait for guidance or consider alternative routes when possible to avoid any delay.
For those needing to navigate these changes, anticipate reduced lanes where work is ongoing, presence of flaggers and pilot cars who will lead drivers through the zones, and an absence of signed detours—MoDOT isn't providing any official alternative paths, but their Traveler Information Map offers real-time updates to help plan your journey. Remember, there's the usual advisory to remain vigilant around these sites for your safety and that of the workers, with the ever-present caveat that Missouri's weather or unforeseen scheduling conflicts could shift timelines.
So, whether you're a local or just passing through, keep these changes in mind, give yourself extra travel time, and stay updated via MoDOT's resources.
