MoDOT Warns Drivers of Traffic Delays in Work Zones

Missouri's Active Work Zones and Upcoming Projects

Missouri experiences a significant number of work zones on any given day, with approximately 900 to 1,000 active zones across the state. This week, many of these work zones are beginning or continuing in Southwest Missouri. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is managing a variety of projects, ranging from routine maintenance to large-scale construction and utility permits.

Brittany Mitchell, MoDOT Area Engineer for the Southwest District, provided an overview of the current and upcoming work zones in the area. “MoDOT Southwest District currently has 223 active work zones,” she explained. These projects span across 21 counties, including various types of activities such as bridge maintenance, road repairs, and infrastructure upgrades.

In Jasper County, there are currently 19 active work zones. One notable project involves bridge maintenance on the Route H Bridge over Duvall Creek, located west of Jasper. The bridge will be closed from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. starting Monday and lasting through Thursday. It will remain as a one-lane bridge until it can be fully replaced in 2026.

Another major project in the area is the 96 bridge reconstruction at 171 just west of Carthage. This large work zone involves shutting down the bridge to set girders. The work is scheduled from August 21 to August 29, and then again from September 2 to September 5.

In Vernon County, drivers should expect lane reductions and traffic impacts on Austin Boulevard and near 49 while pavement repairs are carried out. This project is expected to last up to 76 days and began this week.

Cedar County is also seeing several projects. A bridge replacement of the Cedar County Route V bridge over Cedar Creek, east of Jericho Springs, starts this week. This project is part of a larger three-year initiative aimed at rehabilitating or replacing 20 bridges across a seven-county area. Additionally, pavement repair for Route N in Cedar County between Caplinger Mills and Cedar County Route J is set to begin at 8:00 a.m. on Monday and continue through the 19th.

Mitchell emphasized the importance of driver awareness and caution in work zones. “Conditions can change quickly. In 2024, there were 23 people killed on Missouri roadways and workers within a work zone,” she said. She urged drivers to stay off their phones and remain vigilant when encountering work zones.

In Joplin, $33 million has been allocated for road construction projects. These include the widening project and roundabout at W 20th St. and Black Cat Rd. Other projects this year involve the recently completed intersection upgrade at 4th and Murphy, an expansion at E Zora St., and improvements at 15th and Range Line, along with extensive street resurfacing.

Mitchell recommends using the MoDOT Traveler Information Map to stay informed about the latest traffic impacts and road closures. This tool provides real-time updates and helps drivers plan their routes effectively. By staying informed and cautious, drivers can help ensure the safety of both themselves and the workers in these active areas.