Monday, October 19, 2026

Nightmare on 7th Street: MoDOT Offers update on Route 66 Improvement Project


(From MoDOT)

Progress Update for Route 66 Improvement Project for Week of Oct. 19

A project to make pavement, sidewalk, traffic and safety improvements along Missouri Route 66 (7th Street) in Joplin is underway. Here is an update of the work scheduled for the week of October 19.

Drivers are reminded that access to all businesses along Route 66 (7thStreet) will be maintained during hours of operation.








Work scheduled

Contractor installing new storm sewer on the north side of Route 66 (7th Street) between Highland Avenue and Patterson Avenue

Florida Avenue currently CLOSED on both sides of Route 66 (7thStreet) for pavement replacement, installation of new traffic signal infrastructure and to accommodate temporary traffic shift

Contractor removing pavement on south side of Route 66 (7thStreet) between Florida Avenue and Ozark Avenue

Contractor coordinating with utility companies to complete traffic signal installation at Florida Avenue

Preparing for future closure of St. Louis Avenue pending completion of work at Florida Avenue

Liberty Electric relocating light poles on north side of Route 66 (7thStreet) between School Avenue and St. Louis Avenue

Liberty Electric coordinating relocation of light poles with other utilities between Main Street and Virginia Avenue

Missouri American Water relocating water line at Schifferdecker Avenue

Missouri American Water working between Wall Avenue and Main Street

Missouri American Water coordinating with other utilities between Pennsylvania Avenue and Kentucky Avenue

Spire crews working on gas line relocation on north side of Route 66 (7th Street) at Schifferdecker Avenue

City of Joplin working on sanitary sewer relocation on Kentucky Avenue north of Route 66 (7th Street)

City of Joplin preparing additional work for pipe crossing under Route 66 (7th Street) at Kentucky Avenue








City of Joplin preparing for sidewalk replacement east of Ozark Avenue

AT&T preparing for relocation work at alley way between Pearl Avenue and Wall Avenue

Bluebird Fiber coordinating with other contractors for fiber relocation work

Sparklight coordinating with other contractors for fiber relocation work

Traffic Impacts

At least one lane of Route 66 (7th Street) OPEN in both directions

Access to all business will be maintained during hours of operation

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

No signed detours

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

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








Project Details:

The project will make improvements along the Route 66 (7th Street) corridor in Joplin between Jasper County Route P (Schifferdecker Avenue) and Loop 49 (Range Line Road).

As part of this project, the contractor will rebuild the pavement, bring sidewalks up to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and upgrade and replace several traffic signals along the corridor.

This contract also includes a project to rehabilitate the Oak Street bridge over I-49 in Carthage. That project is likely to start in 2027.

Project Information

Prime Contractor: D&E Plumbing & Heating LLC, Nixa
Construction Cost: $61.6 million
Contract Completion Date: December 1, 2028


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