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MoDOT Posts I-470/I-435 Detours

By Missouri Department of Transportation

Kansas City, MO – KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Engineers at the Missouri Department of Transportation closed the westbound I-470 interchange to westbound I-435, as well as northbound Route 71 to westbound I-435 at 3 Trails Crossing yesterday. The damage from a sink hole at that location has expanded, making it necessary to immediately close the roadway.

MoDOT has posted detours, but encourages motorists to find the best alternative routes for their commute. This interchange will remain closed until repairs can be made.
To help with detours, MoDOT created a Website, linked from www.modot.org/kc, which includes each detour for the major traffic flow from the area. The site includes directions, maps and google mapping tools. The detours include:

From Lee's Summit/Blue Springs/Independence
Merge onto I-470 W toward Wichita
Take exit 7B to merge onto MO-350 W/Blue Pkwy toward Raytown
Take the 63rd St exit toward I-435 S
Turn left at E 63rd St
Turn left to merge onto I-435S Entering Kansas

From U.S. 50 West
Head west on US-50 W
Continue onto MO-350 W/Blue Pkwy
Slight left at E Gregory Blvd
Turn left to merge onto I-435 S Entering Kansas
10.9 mi to I-435 W

From Belton/Raymore/Harrisonville:
Head south on S Independence St toward E Mechanic St
Turn left at S Commercial St
Turn right onto the ramp to Kansas City
Merge onto US-71 N
Take the exit onto I-435 N toward Des Moines
Take exit 69 for 87 th St
Turn left at E 87th St
Turn left to merge onto I-435 S Entering Kansas

"Until motorists become accustomed to the new detour routes, traffic will be very heavy and commutes will be longer," said Beth Wright, District Engineer. "If you have the option to go in later, telecommute or flex your work schedule, please do so. If you must be in the office, give yourself plenty of extra time. This detour will be in place for at least the remainder of July."

Wright also reminds drivers that the signed detours are not the only option. Research all routes available to you. The signed detours may not be the most convenient based on individual commutes.

For further updates, please visit MoDOT's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/modot.kansascity, Twitter site at www.twitter.com/modot_kc, or web site at www.modot.mo.gov/kansascity. You can also contact MoDOT 24 hours-a-day at 888-ASK-MODOT to find out information or report road concerns.

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