Work crews haul away dirt from both sides of U.S. 63 near the Havener Center on the Missouri S&T campus in preparation for expanding the current pedestrian underpass in the foreground. Photo by Terry Barner/Missouri S&T.
Construction is underway on a new pedestrian underpass at Missouri S&T to help students and visitors safely cross Route 63 to reach classrooms and residential halls. This new underpass will replace the existing tunnel that is used to cross Highway 63.
To complete the underpass, a portion of Highway 63 will close starting the evening of Sunday, March 24. The section that will temporarily close is located north of Tim Bradley Way and south of Watts Drive. It is estimated to be closed for three weeks.
To reduce the impact on local traffic and campus activities, the closure will start during the spring breaks for both Rolla Public Schools and Missouri S&T. Construction crews will work 24/7 to minimize the length of time the highway section must be closed. Beginning Friday, March 8, signs will be posted along Highway 63 and Interstate 44 to alert drivers of the upcoming closure and detour routes.
“This underpass project represents a significant step forward in ensuring a safer, more accessible environment for our campus and community,” says Fred Stone, associate vice chancellor of facility planning and operations. “We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work toward completing this project swiftly and safely.”
During the closure, the City of Rolla and S&T will provide signs to indicate alternative routes for drivers to reach their destinations.
“Local businesses along Route 63 are vital to our community,” says Lou Magdits, mayor of Rolla. “We encourage customers to continue to support these businesses during this temporary closure and apologize for any inconvenience.”
To learn more about the new underpass or to get updates, please visit underpass.mst.edu.
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