MoDOT ranks highest-impact work zones

MoDOT analyzed the approximately 1,000 active construction zones for the year and determined the zones with the most impact based on volume of traffic, amount of work and level of delay. (Click here for a map of the state’s top work zones.)

The Interstate 44 and U.S. Highway 65 interchange was ranked No. 7. The project involves the construction of a new ramp for northbound-to-westbound traffic and further reconfiguration of the interchange. Work is scheduled from this summer until fall 2007.

Interstate-44 carries 58,000 vehicles per day, according to MoDOT, and Highway 65 carries 55,000 vehicles per day. Traffic at the Springfield interchange will be detoured onto state routes when bridges and lanes are closed.

Other top work zones:

• No. 1: Interstate 435 Missouri River Bridge in Kansas City;

• No. 2: Interstate 44 at Route 109 in St. Louis;

• No. 3: Interstate 44 east of Lebanon;

• No. 4: Interstate 70/64/55 at the Poplar Street Bridge in St. Louis;

• No. 5: Interstate 435/470 and Route 71 interchange in Kansas City;

• No. 6: Interstate 70 from Rocheport to east of Columbia;

• No. 8: Interstate 55 from Scott City to Fruitland;

• No. 9: Route 61 from New London through Hannibal; and

• No. 10: Interstate 35 from Route C to Route 69 in St. Joseph.

“By the end of 2006, every single mile of the state’s busiest highways will be in good condition,” said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn in a news release. “But that means there will be growing pains for the next few months. We’ve got some big projects planned that will require motorists’ full attention.”

Most work zones will not be active over the Memorial Day weekend, but some lane closures may remain in place, MoDOT said.[[In-content Ad]]