Traffic along U.S. 63 will likely increase through the county July 7-9 as long-distance travelers on Interstate 44 will be encouraged to use the route, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.
MoDOT said U.S. 63 and 60 will be marked with “Alternate I-44” signs as was done during heavy construction periods in 2006.
The removal of a bridge over I-44 at U.S. 65 (mile marker 82) is Springfield will close that portion of the interstate from 12:01 a.m. July 7 until 4:30 a.m. July 9. MoDOT said it is working with its primary contractor on the job, Emery Sapp and Sons of Columbia, to reopen I-44 much earlier than the Monday morning deadline.
A weekend was chosen as the “lesser of two evils,” MoDOT said. While weekends are busy with tourist traffic, which is important to the southwest Missouri economy, the closing over a weekend will avoid interfering with weekday business and commuter traffic.
Alternate I-44 detours between Rolla and Springfield will be:
* U.S. 63 between Rolla (Mile Marker 186) and U.S. 60 at Cabool.
* U.S. 60 between Cabool and Springfield.
* James River Freeway (U.S. 60) through Springfield
* Route 360 between Route 60/413 (West Sunshine Street) at Springfield and I-44 (Mile Marker 69).
Visitors to Springfield between July 7-9 will be able to get around the city, but drivers can expect heavier-than-normal traffic on several state routes through the city because they will be carrying traffic diverted off of I-44.
Drivers are urged to consult a highway map and plan an alternate route if scheduling a trip to Springfield. Many county roads and city streets can provide good access to all destinations in Springfield.
MoDOT and its contractors are coordinating the I-44 closing with law enforcement, fire and ambulance services. Priority will be given to police, fire and ambulance vehicles responding to emergencies.
MoDOT will have workers on duty round-the-clock to help with traffic control if backups occur. Law officers also will be on duty at many locations to help keep traffic moving.
The MoDOT Customer Service Center in Springfield will be open all hours when the I-44 segment is closed at U.S. 65. That phone number in Springfield is 417-895-7600.