Work scheduled:
Rock blasting planned east side of U.S. 65 north of the Route V/Business 65 intersection, east side of Route 65 near Route 165 and either side of Route 65 south of Mall Road.
Birch Road remains closed north of Industrial Boulevard until mid-March. Installing a box culvert across the road and relocating utility lines.
Rock and dirt hauling at night across Business 65 east of Route 65. Dirt and rock being used to build new interchange ramps.
Utility line relocations and box culvert installation along Industrial Boulevard near Birch Road.
Impact on Traffic:
During blasting operations, traffic on U.S. 65 will be stopped for short periods before and after the blast. The scheduled delay for blasting is five minutes each time, though it could be longer. Blasting may occur several times a day at all three locations.
Drivers using Birch Road will have to find alternate routes around the road closing.
Traffic will continue to be stopped at night between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. on Business 65 east of Route 65. Traffic stops will be brief to allow dump trucks to cross the road.
Delays are possible on Industrial Boulevard near Birch Road.
All other work planned should take place AWAY from traffic.
Work zone speed limit on U.S. 65: 45 mph.
Project background:
Construction of U.S. 65/Business 65 interchange and overpass for Business 65 north of new interchange and widening of U.S. 65 to four lanes along 1.6 miles (2,000 feet north of Bus. 65/Route V to just south of Route 165.)
Cost: $19.2 million (low bid), shared by MoDOT, City of Hollister and Taney County.
Prime contractor: W.A. Ellis Construction of Independence.
Scheduled completion: Fall 2006.
