Tuesday, November 03, 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 Nov. 2

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 November 2.

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








If you have questions or comments about this project, use the comment form found on the project page by clicking here.

Work scheduled

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

Pavement removal ongoing on south side of Route 66 (7th Street) between Florida Avenue and Ozark Avenue

Paving planned for Sunday night, November 8 into Monday morning, November 9

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

Contractor is preparing for future closure of St. Louis Avenue pending completion of work at Florida Avenue

Contractor is installing temporary signal poles at Murphy Boulevard intersection

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

Missouri American Water will be closing crossings at various locations between Schifferdecker Avenue and Main Street








Missouri American Water is preparing for closure of Main Street on both sides of Route 66 (7th Street) during nighttime house Monday, November 16 and Monday, November 23

Spire relocating gas line on north side of Route 66 (7th Street) between Schifferdecker Avenue and Maiden Avenue

City of Joplin crews working between Virginia Avenue and Kentucky Avenue

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

City of Joplin crews 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 working with other contractors for fiber relocation between Murphy Boulevard and Florida Avenue

Sparklight working with other contractors for fiber relocation

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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