Christian County – Drivers can expect crews and equipment close to traffic and occasional nighttime lane closings on Route 65 south of Ozark at the intersection of Christian County Routes A/BB as crews begin installing electrical conduit and other components for an interactive flashing system, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.
The new interactive system includes a flashing yellow light over the driving lanes of Route 65 at Christian County Routes A/BB and a flashing sign on Route 65 as drivers approach the intersection. When traffic is approaching from the east on Route A or from the west on Route BB, the Route 65 signs along the highway will begin flashing and the overhead flasher will begin flashing yellow to alert Route 65 drivers to traffic wanting to enter or cross the highway. When there is no traffic approaching from the side roads, the sign and the flasher on Route 65 will remain inactive.
The flasher that faces Route BB and Route A at Route 65 will flash red continuously.
Also, when the new interactive system goes into operation, new highway lighting will be a part of the new system.
It’s expected that the system will take several weeks to install and test before it goes into full operation. MoDOT expects that to occur before school starts in August.
The current interactive flashers on Routes A and BB will be removed as part of the upgrade.
The new system is being installed after nearby residents, the Spokane School District and local lawmakers voiced concerns about safety at the intersection.
The work is being conducted by MoDOT Signal Crews along with Signal Strength, a MoDOT-approved traffic signal contractor from Springfield.
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