Expect lane reductions, delays on Route 86 in Newton Co. for Resurfacing Beginning July 8

Newton County – Drivers can expect lane closures and occasional traffic delays on Missouri Route 86 south of I-44 beginning Monday, July 8 for resurfacing, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

Contractor crews will be working on Route 86 between I-44 and Newton County Route BB south of Joplin. Here’s the work being done:

• Between I-44 and Newton County Route NN, the contractor will be laying a new asphalt surface and adding two-foot-wide shoulders on both sides of the highway
• Between Route NN and Route BB, the contractor will be milling off the old surface and replacing it with a new one

In addition, the contractor will be adding rumble strips, permanent striping and guardrail in areas.

Traffic impacts:

• Traffic reduced to one lane where contractor crews are working
• Drivers will encounter flaggers and pilot cars where crews are working. Drivers should wait for the pilot vehicle before proceeding through the work zone or before entering the work zone from a side road.
• Work between I-44 and Route NN will be done during nighttime hours (7 p.m.-7 a.m.); all lanes open to traffic during daytime hours
• Work between Route NN and Route BB will be done during daytime hours (6 a.m.-8 p.m.); all lanes open to traffic at night
• No signed detour
• Drivers should find alternate routes
• Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone
• Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or scheduling delays could alter the work schedule.

This is part of a project that began last year and included work along Jasper County routes M & BB and Loop 44.

Project information:

• Prime contractor: APAC-Central Inc., Springfield
• Total project cost: $5.4 million
• Completion date: August 1, 2024 

For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest