By RYAN SKAITH
The Buchanan County intersection improvement project at U.S. Route 169 and Southeast Riverside Terrace, located south of St. Joseph, has been delayed until Monday, March 9.
Contractors from Hoy Excavating, LLC, in coordination with the Missouri Department of Transportation, originally planned to close the roadway and begin construction today, March 2. However, the project start was pushed back by one week due to unfavorable weather conditions.
As a result of this work, traffic impacts will begin at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 9. Route 169 will be fully closed between Route AC and Southeast 70th Street.
To assist travelers, a signed detour will be in place to guide motorists from Route 169 to Missouri Route 31, continuing to U.S. Route 36 and Interstate 29, before looping back to Route 169. The roadway is currently expected to remain closed until the project's completion in July 2026.
The scope of this safety project involves shifting the U.S. Route 169 roadway slightly north between Summerhill Drive and the area just east of Southeast Riverside Terrace. Additionally, crews will realign both the north and south entrances of Southeast Riverside Terrace at the Route 169 intersection to significantly improve sight distance for drivers.
MoDOT emphasizes that all construction schedules are weather-permitting and subject to further changes. Drivers are encouraged to prioritize safety in work zones by buckling up, avoiding phone use, and slowing down as they navigate the area.