US 60/65 Interchange Springfield, Missouri
Project Facts
The Project:
Two directional “flyover” ramps and new bridges over the railroad tracks are the main features of a project that will ease congestion and improve safety at the busiest freeway-to-freeway interchange in Missouri outside of the St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas.
The interchange reconstruction is a major priority for MoDOT, Springfield metro and statewide transportation planners. Statewide passage of Amendment 3 in 2004 made it possible to schedule the project sooner than otherwise would have been possible.
The eastbound U.S. 60 ramps at the Route 60/65 interchange open to traffic on Friday night, March 25.
Prime contractor:
Archer Western Contractors of Illinois.
Cost:
$57.1 million.
The 60/65 Interchange Highlights
• Build two directional, “flyover” ramps – northbound U.S. 65-to-westbound U.S. 60 and eastbound U.S. 60-to-northbound U.S. 65
• Build four bridges over BNSF railroad tracks – two bridges as part of “flyover” ramps and two bridges carrying U.S. 60 traffic
• Replace northbound U.S. 65 bridge over U.S. 60 and rebuild southbound U.S. 65 bridge over U.S. 60
• Replace westbound U.S. 60 bridge over Lake Springfield and widen eastbound U.S. 60 bridge over Lake Springfield
Trail Safety During Construction
Long sections of the recreational trails that encircle the U.S. 60/65 interchange will remain open during the reconstruction project. However, the trail segments underneath U.S. 60 may be closed for lengthy periods when hazards exist.
The Galloway Creek Greenway on the west side of U.S. 65 and the James River Greenway on the east side of U.S. 65 will be closed where each crosses underneath U.S. 60 when conditions are deemed unsafe for walkers, runners and bicycle riders. Debris from bridge construction overhead, rough or deeply excavated areas near the trail and large construction machinery moving around would present hazards for trail users.
When the trails are open for short periods underneath U.S. 60, the section of trail adjacent to the construction area probably will be unpaved, although a rock surface will be provided.
Signs and electronic message boards on the trails will carry trail status information.
While it is clear that closing trail segments underneath U.S. 60 is an inconvenience, the goal is to keep trail users safe while completing a much-needed highway and bridge project.