TRAFFIC ALERT: Major shutdown on 169 between downtown airport & Route 9

Both directions of 169 between Wheeler Airport and Route 9 will shutdown until the end of the year. MoDOT estimates 35,000 drivers will need to change their commute Monday morning, leaving some businesses hoping that won't mean a slump in sales.

 

RELATED | Highway 169 opening earlier than MoDOT expected http://bit.ly/WP0Ddi

 

Dean Davis is a vendor at the Briarcliff Farmers Market every Thursday. He and his family are making sure their customers know the closure will not stop business.

 

"It depends on what detour people take. If they come over Heart of America bridge and they jump right back on 169, they're back on their way," Davis said. 

 

"We do expect there to be some bottlenecks at least initially," said Jeff Samborski, Economic Development Manager with North Kansas City. "We're not really sure what the impact will be because we've had some changes in traffic flow over the last couple years." 

 

MoDOT says the work is necessary to repair to the wall on the east side of the northbound lanes. A total shutdown was necessary to make sure there was enough room for crews.

 

Officials aren't certain what this could mean to your commute.

 

It will depend on drivers and the detours they pick as to what the impact will be on the commute and the economy. Most of the businesses we spoke to said they plan to use social media to alert customers of the closure.

 

MoDOT hopes drivers will also look at other ways to get to work including carpooling.