Hollister/U.S. 65 Interchange Construction
Update for Week of July 4

No work scheduled between Noon Friday, July 1, through Monday, July 4. Work will resume after morning rush hour on Tuesday, July 5. Over the Independence Day holiday weekend, the U.S. 65 temporary bypass will remain in place with a 35 mph speed limit. Drivers are urged to use caution traveling through the work zone.

Work scheduled:
*Rock blasted at various times each day along U.S. 65 near Route 165
* Construction of two new bridges over U.S. 65 -- interchange bridge and Business 65 "flyover" bridge -- along existing lanes
* Rock excavated and hauled near Gage Drive
* Grading and utility relocation on Blue Sky Lane
* Grading and signal installation near Industrial Boulevard and Birch Road
* Drain pipe installation along Route V near College of the Ozarks
Impact on Traffic:
* Two-way traffic on U.S. 65 shifted to temporary bypass and new northbound lanes east of existing lanes
* U.S. 65 traffic stopped periodically about 5 minutes at a time for blasting near roadway
* Heavy equipment near roadway and trucks entering/leaving construction areas on Route V and Gage Drive west of U.S. 65
* Occasional one-lane traffic on Blue Sky Lane
Most work taking place AWAY from traffic
Note: Large trucks and other vehicles towing trailers should use Birch Road to access shopping center because turning radius at Mall Road is tighter
Work zone speed limit on U.S. 65 Temporary Bypass and New Lanes: 35 mph.
Project background:
* Construction of U.S. 65/Business 65 interchange and separate "flyover" bridge for Business 65 north of new interchange
* Widening of U.S. 65 to four lanes along 1.6 miles (2,000 feet north of Bus. 65/Route V to just south of Route 165)
* Cost: $19.2 million (low bid), shared by MoDOT, City of Hollister and Taney County
* Prime contractor: W.A. Ellis Construction of Independence
* Scheduled completion: Fall 2006

(For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT.)