Bypass Open

Area drivers can now take advantage of a new stretch of road. The newest section of the Rangeline bypass has now opened just east of Joplin. Drivers can make their way from I-44 to zora without having to enter Joplin city limits. It`s a project that`s been underway for nearly five years for the Missouri Department of Transportation,but now after numerous delays the two-mile stretch from 7th street to Zora is complete. The newest leg of the highway means changes for traffic on Newman and Zora roads. Drivers on these roads will now stop at interesections with the bypass. Authorities hoped to have the section done sooner,but the project was stalled due to a shorfall in state funding. "We`ve got it completed now, 2 lanes, from I-44 to Zora, the ultimate goal is to have a 4-lane interstate standard highway between I-44 and 1-71 and that`s going to cost another 65-million dollars,"said Kent Boyd, MODOT. Boyd adds that 65-million is a lot of money and its going to be a long process trying to find that funding. MoDOT hopes that they will get more money in the next federal highway bill and if they get extra they plan on putting part of those funds towards finishing the bypass. Reported By: Courtney Cullor