With the opening of a highway much sooner than expected during the afternoon on Friday, July 19, the list of major highways closed due to flooding has been reduced to one in the KMMO listening area.
According to a news release from MoDOT, Highway 41, from Miami to the junction of Highway 24, has been opened to traffic, with a restriction. The stretch of the highway is open to one lane down the center. Temporary signals have been installed at each end for traffic control.
Earlier this week, it was thought that the road would stay closed until repairs could be made by a contractor; but after further assessment and some monumental efforts by MoDOT crews, partial mobility has been restored on the highway. Further work by a contractor will be necessary, though. The road could remain open to only one lane until the contractor’s work is completed. However, if the Missouri River rises again, the roadway could be closed with little or no notice.
The only major highway still closed in the KMMO listening area is in Carroll County.
The release says Highway 65, between Carrollton and Waverly, remains closed with water over the roadway. The release says: “Floodwater remains so high that damage to the road surface and road bed are not yet exposed, and no assessments can be made. Crews continue to monitor water levels and are making repairs and clearing debris as they are able, but many parts of Highway 65 are still inaccessible due to high water.”
MoDOT also reminds residents barricades are in place for the safety of the public. The release says: “While prolonged closures are a burden on many, for your own safety and the safety of those who may follow you, do not move barricades. Barricades are in place for your protection. As soon as the roadway is safe for motorists, we will remove all barricades.”
For the most up-to-date information, visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information map at modot.org.