Work underway on the Glenstone and James River Freeway interchange is expected to improve traffic flow and lead to a smoother drive.
The estimated $22.3 million project includes building an additional lane in the Route 60 median in each direction between National and Highway 65; widening the westbound Route 60 off ramp to Glenstone; and replacing deteriorating pavement on eastbound 60 west of 65.
Brad Gripka, resident engineer over the project, with the Missouri Department of Transportation, said they’re also reconfiguring the exit ramp from Glenstone onto James River Freeway.
"We'll eliminate the on ramp that's on the east side and then all traffic will merge and come on the west side of the bridge and then all merge underneath the bridge and then come back," he said, "which will reconfigure traffic and then also help with congestion and make it more smooth for people coming onto James River."
MODOT will build a roundabout at Nature Center Way. And a new signal will be put in at Harvard, which Gripka said will allow for freer traffic movement.
There should be less congestion in the area when the project is finished, according to Gripka.
"We have such a high volume of commuters coming into Springfield and coming out, so this is going to help with capacity," he said, "so, we're just adding that third lane to help with commuter traffic coming in in the mornings and evenings, so it will provide those extra lanes and exit ramps to help with that capacity."
Work will be done 24/7 over the summer, according to Gripka, and he asks drivers in the area to be patient and to slow down in the work zone.
The project is expected to be finished in May of next year.
