Route 59 between Ginger Blue, Noel to be closed for several months

(From MODOT)

Missouri Route 59 between Ginger Blue and Noel remains CLOSED in both directions, likely for several months, following significant damage during the flooding of the Elk River in late December, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

MoDOT CLOSED Route 59 on Dec. 30, 2015 when it was discovered flood water weakened the bank and material under the highway, dropping that section of the highway more than a foot. The damage was so significant, a consultant has been hired to undertake the design work for the repairs. The project will open for bids on April 15 and is scheduled to be awarded to a contractor on May 4 at a meeting of the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission.

The winning contractor will get a notice to proceed by June 6 and given approximately 100 calendar days to complete the work, meaning the highway should reopen to traffic by mid-September.

Message boards have been placed at I-49 near Goodman, at McDonald County Route EE and Route 59 in Lanagan, at McDonald County Route DD and Route 59 near Noel, at Business Route 71 and Route 59 in Anderson and at U.S. Route 71 and McDonald County Route B near Jane alerting drivers to the closure and suggesting alternative routes around the area.

Drivers are urged to use McDonald County Route H or Missouri Route 90 to get to Noel.