The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has announced lane closures that could throw a wrench into your morning drive. On Monday, Jan. 5, northbound I-35 at Pleasant Valley Road will undergo pavement repair work, causing lane closures from approximately 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., a deviation from the originally scheduled date of Tuesday, Dec. 30. According to MoDOT, all work is contingent upon the ever-changing weather conditions.
For those who are used to speeding through your commutes, take note: MoDOT cautions drivers to ease off the gas and keep their eyes peeled as they approach and drive through work zones, which may differ in their setup and duration, sometimes they're just short-term, temporary lane closures, other times they're there to facilitate quick repairs or get rid of road debris.
The inconvenience of construction is a familiar tune to any city dweller, but the payoff of smoother roads is worth the temporary hassle. Despite the potential for traffic snarls, the emphasis from officials is on safety both for the workers on the ground and the drivers passing through: motorists should anticipate the changes and plan accordingly, perhaps leaving a few minutes early or finding an alternative route if possible, as per MoDOT.
The MoDOT's advisory suggests that road users take extra caution, adjusting speeds and paying close attention to potential changes in traffic patterns, but let's face it, come Monday, January 5 morning, there'll be those among us scrambling to recall this very warning as brake lights inevitably flare and blink up ahead; it's the dance of the urban commute, after all.
