Drivers who take Johnson Drive through Mission can expect delays and significant lane closures through spring 2027.
On Monday, Aug. 17, the city of Mission started its Johnson Drive reconstruction project between Lamar Avenue and the Metcalf Avenue bridge.
“We know construction can mean some temporary headaches, and we appreciate your patience as we Pave the Way for a better Johnson Drive,” the city wrote on its website on Aug. 10. “We will continue to provide updates as the project moves from one phase to another.”
This is a $13 million project that has been on the books for at least two years, with plans for new road pavement, wider sidewalks, native plantings and new streetlights.
Public Works Director Stephanie Boyce said the project is expected to wrap up in spring 2027.
Here’s a look at the different phases the city sees for the Johnson Drive rehabilitation project.
There are significant lane closures expected
The construction and delays drivers saw along this stretch of Johnson Drive before this month were all related to utility relocation.
On Aug. 17, the city kicked off phase one of six for the $13 million reconstruction project.
Phase one includes the median removal. The inside lanes will be closed, and drivers will be unable to take left turns.
Boyce told the Post in a Thursday email that drivers will still be able to travel north-south at Broadmoor Street and Lamar Avenue during phase one, but not at Barkley Street.
There will be no left turns allowed from either Broadmoor or Barkley streets, Boyce said. These closures will be in place for a week, she said.
Phase two is expected to start on Monday, Aug. 24, with the closure of the eastbound traffic lanes on the south side of Johnson Drive. The plan is to keep two-way traffic flowing on the westbound lanes.
The rest of the six phases are as follows, as outlined on the city’s website:
- Phase 3: The closure of Broadmoor Street at Johnson Drive for storm connection work.
- Phase 4: The closure of the westbound traffic lanes on Johnson Drive, with two-way traffic flowing through the eastbound lanes.
- Phase 5: The closure of the interior lanes for median work.
- Phase 6: Roadway surfacing and the installation of roadway markings.
The project received a $5M grant
The $13 million project received a $5 million grant from the Mid-America Regional Council’s surface transportation block grant.
In addition, the city is using funding from the County Assistance Road Systems (CARS) program along with required matches from the city’s capital improvement fund.
The improvements are expected to enhance safety and connectivity along this stretch of Johnson Drive for both drivers and pedestrians.
