HANNIBAL - On Friday, May 29 at 10 a.m., MoDOT, the City of Warrenton, and Warren County R-3 Schools officially opened to traffic the improved intersection of Warrior Avenue and Route 47 in Warrenton.  New signals and left and right turn lanes were installed to alleviate congestion and improve safety of a high traffic area.  During a brief ceremony, followed by a "flipping of the switch" to permanently turn on the traffic signals, a mini-parade and breaking of a symbolic banner across the intersection, several dignitaries offered comments and appreciation for the partnerships that helped moved this project forward.

Those speaking included Representative Mike Sutherland, Mayor of Warrenton Greg Costello, Warren County R-3 School Superintendent Dr. John Long, and MoDOT Northeast District Engineer Paula Gough.

Even though the intersection officially opened Friday, the weather has delayed finishing the striping of the intersection.  This will be done this week, weather permitting.

The project, which cost nearly $500,000 was a 50/50 cost share between MoDOT and the City.  Since funding from MoDOT was originally not available until 2011, the City of Warrenton applied for and received a loan from the Missouri Transportation Finance Corporation in the amount of $481,500.  This includes the $300,000 MoDOT share, plus the $181, 500 of the City's share after their Surface Transportation Programs funds are credit.  The Warren County R-3 School District agreed to pay the loan interest.

"This is a great example of planning and cooperation to address transportation needs in the area," said MoDOT's Northeast District Engineer Paula Gough.