Improvements continue at U.S. Route 59 and Alabama Street intersection in South St. Joseph to ease traffic flow

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- An ongoing project to improve the intersection at U.S. Route 59 and Alabama Street, located in South St. Joseph, will head to phase two in October.

The project aims to improve tractor-trailer turning movements and increase capacity for vehicles stopped at the Route U train to cross.    

Authorities say that they are planning to incorporate more sidewalks, which is an essential part of this project.   

“So, there are impacts, but they are fairly minimal as people can still use Route 59. As far as I have heard, I think people are excited about having a new intersection,” Jessica Salyer, Engineer of the project, said.   

The project is anticipated to be completed by November 2026. Any information about changes made should be updated on their website at https://www.modot.org/projects/route-u-missouri-route-59-and-missouri-route-752-intersection-improvements-buchanan-county.  

Sayler says trying to access 752 would be difficult, and it is advisable to switch to other roads to get around the area.   

Some sidewalks along Route 52 will remain closed, so pedestrians will need to find an alternative route.    

“There are impacts because it's just stage one and it's closed, and Route 752 is also closed between Route 59 and Sherman Street, which makes it hard to navigate,” Sayler said.   

Any new changes or updates that will happen in the next few months will be updated on our website https://www.newspressnow.com/.