MoDOT plans extra lanes, possible sound walls on James River Freeway

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Information on criteria for building a wall to reduce highway noise that reaches homes next to James River Freeway (U.S. 60) between Kansas Expressway and Campbell Avenue will be covered in a public meeting on Thursday, Jan. 24. 

The Missouri Department of Transportation meeting will begin at 5 p.m. at Remington's, 1655 W. Republic Road.   A short presentation will be given promptly at 5 p.m. when MoDOT engineers will present information about federal criteria used to determine sound wall location.

Visitors will have plenty of time to talk one-on-one with engineers, ask questions and comment on the plans.  All of the information provided at the Jan. 24 public meeting also will be available online at modot.org/southwest. 

New Lanes Planned 

MoDOT will add a third lane in each direction along a 1.4-mile stretch of the James River Freeway between Kansas Expressway and Campbell Avenue.  Construction will begin this spring with completion by the end of the year.   

Criteria for Sound Walls 

Because of recent changes in federal regulations, the project to add lanes between Kansas and Campbell now requires MoDOT to conduct a noise evaluation study. This was NOT required when lanes were added in 2010 between Campbell and National Avenue. 

The results of the study showed only one area -- located on the south side of James River Freeway adjacent to the Quail Creek Subdivision -- is eligible for a sound wall.   However, the wall won't automatically be built. 

Property owners in the affected area who would benefit from a wall (with a reduction in noise level of at least 7 decibels) will be asked to vote on whether they want a wall.  A majority vote of the property owners affected will decide whether a wall will be built. 

To Contact MoDOT 

Anyone with questions about sound walls may contact MoDOT Project Manager Don Saiko before the Jan. 24 meeting at the MoDOT Southwest District office at (417) 895-7600.