Get ready for some disruptions if you're used to traveling along Route P in Missouri, as the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has announced an upcoming closure for a section of the road. From next Monday, through Thursday, MoDOT will be shuttering a stretch between St. Paul Road/Hoff Road and Koch Road. This isn't the first time motorists have been given notice — the original plan was to tackle this back in January, but Mother Nature had other plans, tossing in a winter storm that put things on ice, per MoDOT's announcement.

The reason behind the closure? A pipe that's 15 feet under the road and stretches a good 90 feet is due for replacement. It's not just about swapping out old for new, the work has to be pretty precise, seeing as it's happening below a busy highway. While through-traffic will have to find an alternate route during those days, local residents won't be completely cut off. Access will still be available up to Alois Avenue on the western end, and up to Raymond Drive on the eastern end, MoDOT's statement assures.

MoDOT has been transparent about the circumstances and expects to have the work done in that short four-day window, weather permitting, of course. They’re already urging drivers to plan their detours and are pointing towards alternative routes to help keep the daily grind running as smoothly as possible despite the inconvenience. And it is a notable inconvenience, especially for a roadway that serves as a connector for many in the area.

For those wondering if this could turn into a drawn-out affair, the indications are positive. MoDOT seems confident in their timeline, stating "this work is expected to be completed by Thursday, June 26." However, they've tagged on the caveat that all work is contingent on what the skies decide to do. Those with pressing plans might do well to keep an eye on the forecast and MoDOT's updates, just in case.

As the date draws closer, residents and commuters alike will no doubt be marking their calendars and setting reminders. It's not every day that a bit of construction demands a reshuffling of routines, but it's clear that MoDOT is doing their best to minimize the disruptions.