St. Joseph – Buchanan County U.S. Route 59 between the south city limits of St. Joseph and Route 116 at Rushville closed Monday, July 20, after heavy rains flooded the area. Most of U.S. Route 59 reopened to two-way traffic Tuesday night, July 21, but one section near Cotter Street and Bethel Road remained reduced to one lane. Crews were able to reopen the final section of U.S. Route 59 earlier this morning, although water remains on the shoulders. As flood waters continue to recede, motorists should continue to exercise caution while traveling through the area.
MoDOT reminds drivers to never enter a water-covered roadway or drive around barricades. Just a few inches of flood waters can force a vehicle off the roadway. In addition, it is not uncommon for roadways and shoulders to be damaged when flooded, creating unsafe conditions for motorists.
Flooding may occur with little or no notice. Missouri Department of Transportation crews and our partners are monitoring road conditions closely, but floodwaters can rise quickly, before our crews and other emergency services are able to place barricades across the roadway.
If you come upon a flooded roadway without barricades, do NOT drive through the water. Pull over to a safe location and call the MoDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service line at 888 ASK MODOT (1-888-275-6636) to report it.
For the most up-to-date information on this flooding event, visit www.traveler.modot.org/map or download MoDOT’s smartphone app. Also at modot.org, sign up online for work zone updates. Information is also available 24/7 at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or via social media.
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down
###
Traveler Information Map
www.traveler.modot.org/map