JOPLIN, Mo. —
Gov. Jay Nixon on Thursday approved an amendment to the state’s Transportation Improvement Plan of the Joplin Area Transportation Study Organization (JATSO) to rebuild the interchange on Interstate 44 at Missouri highways 43 and 86.
The interchange is north of the construction of the new Mercy Hospital Joplin, which sits on 100 acres at the southeast corner of the interchange.
The new hospital is replacing St. John’s Regional Medical Center, which was destroyed by the May 22 tornado. It is to be completed within three years.
“I’m pleased to support this important infrastructure project in Joplin that will help create jobs and provide a foundation for the long-term recovery and success of the city,” Nixon said. “The state of Missouri continues to stand with the people of Joplin as we approach the one-year anniversary of that tragic evening in May.”
Mercy Health System is funding the interchange project with private dollars.
Dan Salisbury, assistant district engineer with the Missouri Department of Transportation, said the project has an estimated price tag of $5 million.
A diamond-type interchange will be constructed on the south side of the interstate, Salisbury said. The ramps on the south of the interstate will be moved closer to the interstate, creating a greater distance between the interstate and East 50th Street, where a roundabout is to be constructed.
“Any large project on the state system, even if it is funded with private dollars, needs to be listed on the transportation improvement program from that area. This project is large enough to be considered in that way,’’ said Salisbury.
The governor, he said, has the authority to approve amendments to the state’s Transportation Improvement Plan, also known as the STIP
May 2011 Joplin tornado
Nixon approves plan for I-44 interchange
Interchange will be north of new Mercy Hospital site Joplin
- May 2011 Joplin tornado
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FACES OF RECOVERY: 176,869 volunteers help put Joplin together again
They initially came in droves, pouring into Joplin by the thousands during the months following the May 2011 tornado to clear debris, clean up damaged homes and businesses and distribute donations of food, water, clothing and other necessities.
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SLIDESHOW: One year later, One day of unity, updated
Photos from a day of events commemorating the May 22, 2011 tornado anniversary
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Therapy dogs
Any question that Louie was bred to put people as ease is put to rest when the golden retriever trots over to where a visitor sits and puts his head on their knee, the dog’s eyes filled with a gentle affection.
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Nova Kluseman and Jeanne Morrow
Nova Kluseman has staked her claim on Wednesdays at the Mercy medical office clinics where she volunteers. The staff at Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri will know it’s Thursday when they see Jeanne Morrow walk through the door.
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Greentree Community Church
Every two months, Joplin plays host to some now-familiar faces. They’re members of Greentree Community Church in St. Louis, and they have “adopted” the city as one of their mission projects since the tornado.
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Virginia Laas
Virginia Laas isn’t an accountant or bookkeeper by trade. But when the tornado caused significant damage to Joplin Schools, and subsequently spurred a massive landslide of donations to the district, Laas voluntarily stepped into those roles to fill a need that administrators were too busy to handle.
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Rebecca Williams
Two years after the tornado, Rebecca Williams remains committed to helping people around the world keep up with the progress that has been made in Joplin.
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Community Outreach Team
While it didn’t yet have a formal name, the seeds of Freeman Health System’s Community Outreach Team were planted in the hours following the tornado.
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Jewish Disaster Response Corps
“Tikkun olam” is Hebrew for “repairing the world,” and the concept — of service to others, of helping those in need — is prevalent in Judaism.
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Dorothy Maples
Dorothy Maples always felt a calling to volunteer, whether it was participating in a fundraiser or giving a hand to help someone in need.
- More May 2011 Joplin tornado Headlines
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