LEE’S SUMMIT – The Missouri Department of Transportation and the City of Lee’s Summit are extending an open invitation to a ribbon cutting celebration to open the north end of the U.S. 50 and Route 291 south Interchange project to traffic on May 11 at 10 a.m. The interchange will be fully open to traffic.
The ribbon will be snipped on the lawn of the Harris Park Community Center overlooking the roundabout. Attendees can park in the lot for Harris Park and use the trail to reach the ceremony. In the event of inclement weather, festivities will be moved inside the community center.
Minor additional lane closures to move traffic into final configuration or complete sidewalks will continue through October. Once complete, crews will have reconstructed the Route 291 overpass bridges into a diverging diamond interchange. The intersection of Blue Parkway, the north outer road to US 50 Highway, and Jefferson Street will be a roundabout.
Known as a Divergabout, this project is tailored for interchanges with high traffic volumes and increased risks of serious crashes. By removing several of the left turn lights, a diverging diamond and a roundabout vastly reduce conflict points making it much safer overall. A similar interchange was opened in 2017 at 155th and I-49. See a simulation of driving this new concept here: http://bit.ly/2HOEHAr
The Missouri Department of Transportation urges all motorists to always wear safety belts, follow posted speed limits and be alert for slowed traffic, narrowed lanes or a reduced number of lanes during construction and maintenance work. And remember, every work zone is a NO PHONE ZONE.
For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at www.modot.mo.gov/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on Twitter, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity. MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties. Sign up online for workzone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).