(Joplin, MO) – City of Joplin officials, Joplin Public Works staff, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, and the public celebrated the completion of the widening project of West 32nd Street with a ribbon cutting on December 14.
“As the southwest part of Joplin experiences continued growth, this roadway will be instrumental for residents as well as provide for future economic development opportunities,” said Joplin Mayor Doug Lawson.
Widening nearly two miles of 32nd Street to three lanes, from Schifferdecker Avenue west to Central City Road, the project added a center lane and a sidewalk-shared use path while also eliminating previously existing peaks and valleys.
The construction of this roadway was just over $8 million. The total project including right-of-way acquisition, design, and utilities was about $12.5 million, and allowed the City to acquire additional right of way for a five-lane corridor in the future. It was funded through the 3/8 cent Capital Improvement Sales Tax approved by voters in 2014.
“The City was able to expand a hilly two-mile roadway to a safer three-lane corridor by cutting down the hills and filling in the valleys along this roadway,” said Dan Johnson, Director of Public Works. “Plus, the City now has the right-of-way to expand this to a five-lane corridor as needed in the future.”
The contractor for the 32nd Street widening project was Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. and the project team included Olsson and CJW.
“We appreciate the support of our citizens for this major improvement in Joplin,” said Johnson. “We also want to thank the residents in the area for their patience as we completed this project. Through a multi-phased approach, access in some portions was available while crews worked in closed sections. This worked well and this road is much safer for southwest Joplin.”
Reference:
Lynn Iliff Onstot, Public Information Officer
City of Joplin
417.624.0820, ext. 204
LOnstot@joplinmo.org
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