Heads up, Missouri drivers: if your commute includes a stretch of Route 52 west of Amoret, you're going to need to quickly plan an alternate route for the next couple of days. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, a portion of Route 52 will be completely inaccessible from Wednesday, November 19, to Friday, November 21, due to essential railroad maintenance undertaken by Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad (CPKC).
The closure affects the roadway between Northwest Bates County 13321 Road and 1st Street, essentially severing a key passage for locals and through-traffic alike. The notice, which was issued on the Missouri Department of Transportation website, specifically states that "Route 52 CLOSED between Northwest Bates County 13321 Road and 1st Street west of Amoret." This has prompted a recommendation from officials to actively seek out alternative routes to avoid the area. However, the department has decided not to provide a signed detour, leaving drivers to figure out their own detours during this period.
In case you're thinking of risking it or hoping the work might be completed ahead of schedule, don't count on it. The trucking community and daily commuters must prepare to contend with the absence of this passage. The closure is absolute, with no passage for motorists, ensuring that the CPKC Railroad can safely and efficiently carry out the crossing work that is vital to maintaining the safety and functionality of the train network which intersects our roadways.
The traffic impacts are substantial, but we know the drill by now: check out the MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map online to stay updated on this and any other unexpected road closures or traffic jams that might spring up. The site specifically suggests checking "MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts," which sounds like a pretty good place to start to avoid finding yourself at a standstill, as per the MoDOT’s announcement.
