Lane closure for northbound traffic on 400,500 blocks of Main Friday

(From the City of Joplin)

Starting at 6 a.m. Friday, November 8, there will be a lane closure for northbound traffic on Main Street within the 400 and 500 blocks.

This closure is to allow tree work to be done in the area. The inside northbound lane will remain open during this time. 

Drivers are urged to use caution while in this area. Work is expected to be completed by late afternoon.

Work will include the removal of two trees along Main Street due to their root system causing the sidewalks to shift, creating hazards for pedestrians. A City contractor will cut down the top of a tree at 417 Main Street and one at 507 Main Street on Friday. The remnants of the trees’ stumps and root balls will be excavated on Tuesday, November 12, weather permitting. Following the completion of this work, sidewalk and concrete repairs will be done.

City staff will replace these trees with Japanese Ivory Silk Lilac trees in the spring of 2020. This species was one selected by the Joplin Tree Board as appropriate for streetscapes.

These two were the first of nine trees that have been identified for removal due to their adverse effects on the sidewalks, causing tripping hazards. The trees are located on Main Street between 2nd and 6th Streets. As other trees are replaced, the Tree Board will work with the City in order to have other species of trees ready to take their spot.