Travel Alert: Construction Causes Delays on US Highway 65 South

Motorists traveling south on US Highway 65 are advised to prepare for unexpected delays and increased travel times due to ongoing road improvements.

The highway is currently undergoing a comprehensive resurfacing project spanning the distance from St. Joe to Marshall. While the project covers a significant stretch of road, construction crews are presently focusing their efforts on the southbound lanes. This work has led to intermittent traffic stoppages, creating frustration for daily commuters and long-distance travelers alike.

The most severe congestion is occurring within the city limits of Leslie. Reports indicate that traffic has come to a complete standstill in as many as three separate areas along the route. Some drivers have reported waiting for as long as 22 minutes before traffic began to move again. In total, navigating the entire construction zone can add up to 30 minutes to a trip.

Recent traffic data highlights the scale of the disruption. On Thursday, northbound lanes experienced backups extending 0.7 miles, with vehicles traveling approximately 1.5 miles before reaching the active construction zone. Meanwhile, the congestion in the southbound lanes was more pronounced, with stopped traffic extending 2.5 miles away from the northbound flow.

Transportation officials recommend that drivers exercise patience and caution when passing through these work zones to ensure the safety of the construction crews. Travelers are encouraged to leave earlier than usual or seek alternative routes to avoid the congestion between St. Joe and Marshall. Further updates regarding the project timeline and lane openings are expected as the resurfacing progresses.