Q: When and where will construction start?
A: Construction began in the fall of 2008 and will continue into late 2012. Because MoDOT owns the right-of-way from Route 71 to Lumpkins Fork, the first phase of construction began there. Lumpkins Fork to Horridge Road, and Horridge to Route 291 comprise the remaining phases.
Q: How will access be addressed and will side streets be added?
A: Access at times will be indirect, requiring motorists to detour or follow temporary patterns that limit options and back up traffic. These changes may last several weeks so that intersections can be reconfigured. Signals will be added at some intersections (shown on the diagram on the overview page). Traffic will be shifted to new pavement in a one-lane, head-to-head configuration during periods of intersection reconstruction, then eventually opened back to two-lane, divided configuration to at least Lumpkins Fork Creek by late this fall.
Q: Does this project take in the Route 71/150 interchange?
A: The Route 150 widening will coordinate with a separate project to improve the Route 71/150 interchange. The project replaces the existing diamond interchange with a single-point urban interchange similar to the I-635 and Parallel Parkway interchange located in Kansas City, Kansas. It is expected to be fully open this winter.
Q: Why is White Avenue so congested and restricted?
A: Reconstruction of the intersection at White Avenue has temporarily squeezed the westbound lanes to one lane without a separate turn lane. This temporary alignment allows crews to remove, replace and realign pavement in the intersection. The work at White Avenue will take several months, but portions of the intersection will improve as work progresses. Crews continue work on the north half of the intersection. When completed, traffic will be shifted to that side and work will continue to reconfigure the south side of Route 150 at White Avenue.
Q: Why is Grand Summit closed?
A: Safety is MoDOT's first concern. Although less convenient, closure and rerouting of Grand Summit traffic to the south outer road brings traffic to the signalized White Avenue intersection. Grand Summit will be routed to the outer road until work is concluded in this segment late this fall.
Q: Why must northbound Route 71 travelers go all the way to 140th Street and then back south to get to Route 150?
A: Building the northbound off-ramp to Route 150 requires removal and realignment of the old ramp, as well as removal and realignment of the outer road. The northbound off ramp to Route 150 and the east outer road is expected to re-open late this fall.
Q: When will we be back onto three lanes on mainline Route 71 in each direction?
A: MoDOT expects the contractor to complete mainline improvements and open the highway back to all lanes late this summer.
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