Major changes coming to busy Joplin thoroughfare
JOPLIN, Mo. — Big changes are coming to one of Joplin's busiest corridors.
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) held an open house at city hall, showcasing $60.2 million in improvements planned for the 7th Street corridor, from Schifferdecker to Rangeline.
Plans include rebuilding the pavement, upgrading or replacing traffic lights, and creating sidewalks that meet set-standards for those with disabilities.
"None of it is compliant right now, the sidewalks are too narrow, cracked, faltered, and the whole bit so it'll be a great improvement for those with disabilities and just pedestrians in general being able to navigate those safely," said MoDOT Project Manager, Craig Switzer.
The open house allowed the public to see the improvement project on paper, for the first time.
"They look good. It's something that's needed done for a while I think, and it's good to finally see it come to fruition," said Joplin resident, Jason Gaskill.
The project could also help spur development on the city's west side.
"We've had some good development signs on the west end of seventh street and we hope to continue that, and I think this will only help that momentum," said Joplin Director of Public Works, Dan Johnson.
Improvements to the busy east-west corridor is expected to take more than two years to complete, and traffic in the construction zones will be reduced to two lanes.
"Yeah, it's going to be a headache for a couple years and we ask you to please bare with us and you'll like the end product," said Switzer.
Construction is slated to begin during the summer of 2025, but that could change.
"So, we've got a couple hurtles to clear. We have the right-of-way acquisition, we have several partials that we're going to need to acquire," said Switzer.
When work is complete, Switzer says 7th Street will be a better and safer route.
"It's a great investment going on for the City of Joplin, and it should really improve the look and feel of the roadway," said Switzer.
