West Plains, MO – The City of West Plains is set to begin construction on a long-anticipated overpass project over the Burlington Northern Railroad line on Independence Drive. The $8.9 million U.S. Highway 160/Independence Overpass will stretch between Concord Road and Freedom Drive, addressing both traffic congestion and safety concerns caused by the current at-grade rail crossing.
Construction, led by Capital Paving and Construction of Jefferson City, Mo., will begin the week of October 1, 2024. The project is expected to be completed by December 1, 2025.
DETOUR INFORMATION
With Independence Drive closed to traffic from Concord Road to Freedom Drive, detours have been established:
- Motorists traveling north of the construction site are encouraged to utilize Freedom Drive.
- Motorists traveling south of the project are encouraged to utilize Missouri Avenue to Thornburgh Avenue.
The city will update detours as needed.
“This overpass is integral to the economic resiliency of our city,” said City of West Plains Planning Director Emily Gibson, “Not only will it alleviate the long-standing traffic issues at the rail crossing on Independence, but it will also ensure that West Plains maintains continuous east-west access during periods of elevated floodwaters from Howell Creek.”
The project is largely funded through grants provided by the Economic Development Administration (EDA), Delta Regional Authority (DRA), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).
Throughout the duration of construction, the City of West Plains will provide regular updates on progress and any necessary traffic detours via the city’s website (www.westplains.gov) and social media channels.
For any questions, concerns, or to report issues, please contact West Plains City Hall at 417-256-7176.