Public meeting set for highway interchange plan

The public is invited to the meeting, scheduled for 4–6 p.m. at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4600 S. Chrisman, to discuss the plans.

The interchange, which will be rebuilt starting in 2009, will comprise two directional flyover ramps to ease congestion and eliminate criss-crossing merge points on the northbound U.S. 65 bridge over U.S. 60. Bridges will also be built for U.S. 60 and the adjacent ramps over the railroad tracks that currently cross the highway.

Visitors may look at large exhibits, pick up information to take home and talk individually with engineers who designed the project. Aerial photographs and traffic simulation information will also be available. Written comments will be taken at the meeting and can also be submitted through May 3.

The $60 million project, which should be complete in 2012, is a major priority for MoDOT. Money for the project is slated to come from Amendment 3 funds and MoDOT’s “Taking Care of the System” fund. The department is also working with the city of Springfield to put funds in place to make the structure more aesthetically pleasing.

For those seeking more information, MoDOT has set up a Web site about the project, www.6065interchange.org.

Meanwhile, similar interchange work is ongoing at Interstate 44 and U.S. 65. That project could be finished as early as December.

See SBJ’s April 23 issue for more transportation news.