Reactions to Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) plans to close sections of one lane each way of Hwy. 61-67 (Truman Boulevard) in the northern portion of the Twin City area were immediate and critical.
Of particular concern to those on social media who posted comments was that Hwy. 61-67 was being used as a detour for wide-load vehicles while the I-55 Corridor Improvements project in Jefferson County is continuing.
Jordan Dalaviras, MoDOT’s area liaison for Franklin and Jefferson counties, acknowledged concerns raised about the work in the Twin City area.
“I know everybody’s concerned about 55 and 61-67,” he said.
The $3.98 million project on Hwy. 61-67 is independent from the ongoing $246 million I-55 Corridor Improvements project in Jefferson County, he said.
In the Hwy. 61-67 project, MoDOT plans to add a two-way, left-turn lane, address existing drainage issues and resurface the pavement in the area. Curbs will be updated, drainage pipes will be replaced where needed, and inlets and drains will be cleaned out, he said. The installation of a two-way, left-turn lane will provide safer left-turn access to the businesses along this section of Route 61-67 in Crystal City-Festus, according to a MoDOT website pertaining to the project.
The I-55 project expanding the roadway from two to three lanes in both directions from Hwy. Z in Pevely to Hwy. 67 south of Festus (along with other related work, such as replacing bridges), is targeted to finish in the spring of 2027, according to a recent MoDOT update.
In a written statement, MoDOT officials said the closures of one northbound lane and one southbound lane of Hwy. 61-67 from Brandon Wallace Way to Sixth Street in Festus/Eighth Street in Crystal City (the same street is named differently in each city) were to begin July 6 and remain until the project is finished. A MoDOT spokesperson estimated the project would be completed by spring 2027.
Dalaviras said there will be more space to operate vehicles in the section of Hwy. 61-67 during the project than was described in the written statement.
“Essentially right now, there are four lanes,” he said. “It says that we’re taking a lane north and south away (during construction). But, we’re taking more like part of those lanes away, because the whole section is going to be repurposed. We’re taking a lane in both directions away, but we’re adding a two-way left-turn lane.”
He said this plan will allow one lane to be open each way even when a driver needs to make a left turn.
“So, what that does is, anybody who looks to turn left, they will be able to go into a center-turn lane, and that allows vehicles that are traveling north and south on 61/67 to continue traveling north and south on 61/67 without anybody stopping and waiting for somebody to turn,” he said.
As to concerns about tractor-trailers hauling wide loads on I-55 (which are being detoured to Hwy. 61-67 during I-55 work in and around Pevely), Dalaviras said the truck drivers are supposed to be following MoDOT route plans.
“The work zone specifics are shared with our multimodal department that works directly with the oversized and overweight trucks,” he said. “These trucks receive permits with specific routes they are to take in order to get to their destination. With the specifics of the work zone and our multimodal department working with each permit, they will be able to determine if that truck is unfit to travel through.”
Online readers also have asked why MoDOT has started the Hwy. 61-67 project while the I-55 project is continuing.
Dalaviras said his department determined the I-55 project had progressed to the point where it was thought the Hwy. 61-67 work could begin.
“This (Hwy. 61-67) project was not allowed to begin until the southern limits of the I-55 project were completed,” he said. “As the southern part of the I-55 project is now completed, everyone will see barrier walls removed and lanes are back to full width.”
He said Twin City businesses along the Hwy. 61-67 project stretch were alerted to the MoDOT plans and access to their businesses will be maintained during the project.
“While this project was not allowed to begin until the southern section of the I-55 project was completed, our right-of-way (land) department works with the affected businesses along the corridor,” Dalaviras said. “Access to entrances along the corridor will be maintained to keep access open during the project. If there are any businesses that are concerned or would like to speak with us, we are happy to do so.”
While wide-load haulers need to contact the MoDOT multimodal department before traveling through Missouri roadways, other drivers concerned about possible travel slowdowns on state roads should visit MoDOT social media sites, Dalaviras said.
More travel information is posted on the MoDOT app or website, www.modot.org.