Joplin – A project in 2018 to rehabilitate two Interstate 44 bridges over Shoal Creek in Joplin will, for safety reasons, temporarily close the walking trails under the interstate. The Missouri Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on the impact of the closure of the trails.
Beneath the bridges, on either side of Shoal Creek are City of Joplin Metro Trails which connect to Wildcat Glades Trails. Due to safety concerns, the rehabilitation of the bridges will require the trails to be closed up to four times for approximately two weeks during each closure.
The two bridges were built in 1956 as part of the original construction of I-44.
The project will include demolition, removal and repair of the existing driving surface of the bridges, painting the existing structural steel and other repairs.
Individuals and organizations wishing to make comments about the project and the impact to the trails may submit them to the District via its website (www.modot.org/southwest), by e-mail (swcr@modot.mo.gov), the District’s Facebook (www.facebook.com/MoDOT.Southwest/) and Twitter (twitter.com/MoDOT_Southwest) social media sites or by calling (417) 895-7600.
(For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest)
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