Road construction on Springfield’s northside is creating significant access challenges for the Southwest Missouri Humane Society, forcing visitors, volunteers and potential adopters to take a lengthy detour while major transportation improvements are underway.
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is deep into construction work tied to the I-44 overpass project, which includes realigning the intersection of Norton Road and Melville Road. The project is designed to improve traffic flow and safety along the busy corridor, but in the short term, it is causing complications for one of the community’s most visited animal care facilities.
The Humane Society facility, located on Norton Road just west of the construction zone, is currently accessible only by approaching from the opposite direction. Drivers can no longer turn in directly due to the intersection closure, and instead must travel the longer route up West Bypass, continue to Westgate Avenue, and loop back toward Norton Road.
MoDOT has confirmed that the Norton and Melville intersection will remain closed for approximately two weeks as crews handle grading, roadbed preparation and structural work related to the realignment. The agency also stated that the overall bridge project remains on track for completion by the end of the year.
While temporary, the detour poses challenges for the Humane Society, which depends heavily on public foot traffic for its daily operations—particularly for adoptions, medical visits, volunteer activity, and the intake of lost or surrendered pets. Staff members have noted an increase in calls from residents unsure of how to reach the building, and are encouraging anyone planning a visit to check directions in advance.
The construction also affects emergency services and after-hours intake, as animal control officers and veterinary partners must navigate the same closures during urgent situations. The shelter is also advising transport volunteers, rescue partners and delivery drivers to allow extra time.
Although the work is disruptive, MoDOT emphasized that the project includes safety benefits for the corridor and for facilities like the shelter. The realignment is intended to reduce blind spots, streamline traffic flow and create a more predictable turn pattern once complete. MoDOT continues to remind the public that “the intersection at Norton and Melville is supposed to be closed for two weeks,” and that the overall bridge improvements remain prioritized for completion.
For now, the focus is on maintaining operations despite the temporary inconvenience. Shelter staff members are updating their website and social media pages with clear navigation instructions to help prevent missed appointments or last-minute confusion.
Residents who need to reach the shelter are encouraged to follow the posted detour signs and plan on taking the West Bypass–Westgate Avenue route until MoDOT reopens the intersection.
Originally reported by KY3 Staff in KY 3.
