MoDOT, District 8, Springfield -- Drivers can expect to see equipment and workers along the shoulders and in grassy areas of the I-44/lU.S. 65 interchange in Springfield at various times in May through July, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.
The crew working at the interchange will take soil samples as part of the process to design the first phase of the interchange reconstruction, scheduled to begin in 2006.
The crews will drill into the ground at various locations to determine where to place bridge footings.
At times, crews may be working close to traffic, but no lane closings are expected.
Orange cones and signs reading "Shoulder Work" will alert drivers.
Soil samples are needed as an engineering firm works to develop final plans for the project.
The first phase involves construction of a new bridge over the interchange for a "directional" ramp to go from northbound U.S. 65 to westbound I-44.
Changes also will be made to improve the existing southbound U.S. 65 to westbound I-44 ramp and the westbound I-44 to northbound U.S. 65 ramp.
Estimated cost of the first phase is $24 million.
