Forsyth Area, Taney County - Drivers can expect one-lane traffic with temporary traffic signals regulating traffic on Route 76 at the Bull Shoals Lake bridge project east of Forsyth starting Tuesday, August 14, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.
The temporary traffic pattern was originally scheduled to begin the week of August 6, but construction delays postponed it until August 14.
Originally, the plan called for Route 76 to be closed for up to two weeks to connect the new bridge into the existing highway. However, after hearing strong concerns from the community about the closing of the Route 76, MoDOT committed to work with its project contractor to minimize the impacts to the travelling public. MoDOT and the contractor developed an approach to keep traffic flowing during this part of the project.
It’s expected the one-lane traffic and temporary traffic signals will remain in place for up to two weeks.
Mid-way through the process of building the new pavement connection, Route 76 traffic will move to the new bridge. However, one-lane traffic and the temporary traffic signals will remain in place until all the connecting pavement is complete.
Drivers can expect delays on Route 76 during this phase of the project. They are urged to allow plenty of extra travel time and expect backups on Route 76 approaching the bridge.
During the work, law enforcement officers will assist with traffic control during busy traffic times. Contractor crews along with law enforcement will assist first responders through the work zone during emergencies.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Construction is scheduled to begin the week of August 13 on the new roundabout at the intersection of Route 160 and Route 76 at the north end of the new bridge. Drivers can expect lane closings at times with crews and equipment close to traffic.
(Weather or construction delays could alter the work schedule.)
Bridge Project Summary:
- Replace Bull Shoals Lake bridge with a new bridge west of the existing bridge
- Build new connecting roadway to new bridge to Route 76 at end of bridge project
- Completion Date: Fall 2018
- Total Project Cost: $10.4 million
Roundabout Project Summary:
- Replace three-way intersection with new roundabout
- Partnership project between Taney County and MoDOT
- Completion Date: Fall 2018
- Total Project Cost: $1.4 million
END
(For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest)
(Follow MoDOT's Southwest District: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |YouTube)