MoDOT Roadwork Snarls Travel Across Seven Missouri Counties | The Locally Times
MoDOT Roadwork Snarls Travel Across Seven Missouri Counties
Missouri drivers, prepare for widespread travel disruptions. MoDOT roadwork is closing routes and impacting travel across seven counties, from immediate detours in Wright and Laclede to future planning in Jackson. This new wave of infrastructure projects, including culvert replacements and pavement repairs, demands immediate attention from travelers to avoid unexpected delays and plan alternative routes. It follows general highway maintenance that concluded today in Northeast Missouri, as The Locally Times reported on March 23. ## New Closures Begin This Week and Next MoDOT crews began a new culvert replacement project on Route 95 in Wright and Laclede counties on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. This closure, announced by the department on April 1, affects the section of roadway from Oder Road in Wright County to Route O in Laclede County. Records do not specify the duration of this closure beyond its April 1 start date, meaning travelers should anticipate ongoing detours. In Jefferson County, a section of Old Missouri State Road in Arnold is set for a six-hour closure next Thursday, April 9, 2026, for pavement repairs. MoDOT records, updated yesterday, April 2, indicate the road will close from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting. Motorists will need to seek alternative routes during this temporary repair period. ## Planning Continues for Major Corridor Upgrades Beyond immediate closures, MoDOT is advancing plans for larger infrastructure improvements across the state. A public meeting was held last Tuesday, March 31, 2026, to discuss proposed improvements for the U.S. Route 65 Corridor Upgrades Project between Buffalo and Warsaw. This significant project impacts Benton, Dallas, and Hickory counties. While MoDOT invited interested parties to attend the March 31 meeting, specific details from the discussion are not yet publicly available in the records. Separately, Kansas City, in partnership with MoDOT and the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), is set to host a community summit for Reconnecting the East Side next Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Taking place in Jackson County, the summit aims to gather public input that could shape future transportation infrastructure in the area. ## Traveler Impact and Planning Ahead The immediate closures in Wright, Laclede, and Jefferson counties mean local traffic will face detours, potentially adding time to daily commutes and affecting access. The Route 95 culvert replacement, which began Wednesday, April 1, requires travelers to find alternate routes through Wright and Laclede counties. Next Thursday's six-hour pavement repairs on Old Missouri State Road in Arnold will also impact morning and afternoon travel. While these projects aim to improve infrastructure, they demand public attention to avoid unexpected traffic snarls. Beyond these immediate impacts, the U.S. Route 65 corridor upgrades and the Kansas City summit represent key longer-term planning efforts that will shape future travel in their respective regions. To minimize inconvenience, travelers are strongly advised to monitor local traffic advisories and MoDOT resources for the most current information and to plan routes accordingly. ## Key Questions **Which Missouri counties are affected by these new roadwork projects?** New MoDOT projects are impacting Wright, Laclede, and Jefferson counties with closures, and planning efforts are underway for projects affecting Benton, Dallas, Hickory, and Jackson counties. **When will the Old Missouri State Road closure occur?** Old Missouri State Road in Arnold is scheduled to close for pavement repairs on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting. **How can residents stay informed about these roadwork projects?** Travelers are advised to monitor local traffic advisories and MoDOT resources for the most current information regarding these projects.