Sinkhole repair leads to traffic congestion in south Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Work to repair a sinkhole off of the James River Freeway led to travel headaches during the rush hour on Monday.

The construction tied up all three lanes of traffic near the U.S. 65 and James River Freeway intersection.

Saturday, MoDOT closed all three lanes of westbound James River Freeway traffic between Glenestone and U.S. 65 to make the repairs. The sinkhole opened in mid-August. Since its opening, MoDOT has only closed one lane of traffic near the sinkhole.

MoDOT engineers say this project on the sinkhole repair should last through Friday. The sinkhole appeared near the westbound lanes of James River Freeway between Glenstone and U.S. 65. It led MoDOT to close one lane of traffic.

Lt. Mark Foos with the Springfield Police Department says that drivers should take extra time on the roads, especially in construction zones, “Know that there are higher levels of traffic in road construction, just plan for that extra time on the roadways. Might try to leave a little earlier or adjust your route accordingly to avoid some of those traffic tie-ups.”

MoDOT does have signage warning of the closure as the driver’s approach. Drivers should take alternate routes, if possible, in order to avoid the construction project. Remember to give yourself plenty of time if traveling near the construction area.

“Just plan accordingly to find those alternate routes even if it does take you a little longer, that will avoid some of the frustrations of being stuck in traffic. Just make sure you are aware of your surroundings for those emergency vehicles if they are having to respond to an incident there,” says Lt. Foos.

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