Traffic changes coming to Jefferson City

Crews on Highway 50 in Jefferson City are preparing for changes at the Lafayette interchange.

The westbound on ramps are nearly complete, and starting Thursday, westbound traffic will start driving through Lafayette St. while the westbound ramps are repaired.

MoDOT is changing the lane size from 12 feet to 11 fet, making the road more narrow near the interchange.

Thursday night, the westbound lanes starting at Clark Avenue will be shut down while MoDOT changes the lanes over.

Westbound traffic is down to one lane, but two lanes will be open on those ramps for drivers heading west.

MoDOT workers said after the westbound lanes are done, eastbound traffic will be directed to those lanes, while the eastbound lanes are completed.

Engineers said they expect this new arrangement will slow down cars, but it will ultimately make traffic flow smoother in the area.

“We’ll continue to monitor the situation when we make these changes tomorrow, and see what happens to the signals in Jefferson City. We will work with the city to monitor those and they try to suggest any changes that might be necessary,” said Engineer Patty Lemongelli.

MoDOT said all the proper signage will be in place to make sure drivers are not confused.

They’re also encouraging drivers to go slow through the area, while the two-year, $20 million project continues.