Joplin residents driving along Missouri Route 66 (7th Street) should expect ongoing construction work through the week of September 21, as a significant project to improve pavement, sidewalks, traffic, and safety continues. The corridor, vital for local travel, is undergoing rebuilding efforts with multiple crews addressing various infrastructure components. Drivers will find Florida Avenue closed on both sides of 7th Street during this period, impacting local access.
A contractor is actively installing new storm sewer lines on the north side of Route 66 (7th Street) between Florida Avenue and Ozark Avenue. This work coincides with pavement replacement for the north half of Route 66 (7th Street) within the same segment. The contractor is also coordinating with utilities to finalize new traffic signal installation at Florida Avenue, a key component of the ongoing improvements.
The City of Joplin has crews addressing critical sanitary sewer infrastructure. Work includes sanitary sewer relocation on Kentucky Avenue north of Route 66 (7th Street). Additionally, the city is planning night work for a pipe crossing directly under Route 66 (7th Street) at Kentucky Avenue. City of Joplin crews are also engaged in sidewalk improvements, installing a new section on the south side of Route 66 (7th Street), east of Ozark Avenue, as part of the overall effort to bring pedestrian infrastructure up to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
Multiple utility companies are involved in relocation and upgrade work across the corridor. Liberty Electric is planning upcoming utility relocation on the north side of Route 66 (7th Street) between St. Louis Avenue and Murphy Boulevard. Missouri American Water crews are conducting extensive water line relocation and tie-in work. This includes relocation on the north side of Route 66 (7th Street) between Pennsylvania Avenue and Main Street, and on the south side between Kentucky Avenue and Grand Avenue. Missouri American Water is also performing water line tie-in work on both sides of Route 66 (7th Street) at the intersections of Commercial Avenue, High Avenue, New Hampshire Avenue, and Michigan Avenue.
Further utility work includes AT&T planning for excavation in the alley between Pearl Avenue and Wall Avenue. Bluebird Fiber crews are working on the replacement of a pull box at Highview Avenue. Lumen Fiber crews are relocating utilities at Florida Avenue north of Route 66 (7th Street). Sparklight crews are also planning the relocation of overhead lines specifically at the intersection of Route 66 (7th Street) and Florida Avenue. These coordinated efforts aim to prepare the corridor for its long-term upgrades.
This comprehensive project encompasses the entire Route 66 (7th Street) corridor in Joplin, stretching between Jasper County Route P (Schifferdecker Avenue) and Loop 49 (Range Line Road). The improvements involve rebuilding the pavement, upgrading sidewalks to meet ADA standards, and modernizing or replacing several traffic signals along the route. D&E Plumbing & Heating LLC, based in Nixa, serves as the prime contractor for this extensive undertaking. The contract for these improvements is scheduled for completion by December 1, 2028. This contract also includes a separate project to rehabilitate the Oak Street bridge over I-49 in Carthage, which is anticipated to begin in 2027.
Drivers navigating the area should be aware that at least one lane of Route 66 (7th Street) will remain open in both directions throughout the construction. Access to all businesses along the corridor will be maintained during their operational hours. Signs and message boards will be in place to alert drivers as they approach work zones. The project schedule remains subject to changes due to weather conditions or other scheduling conflicts.