HANNIBAL - Work will begin later this summer to diamond grind existing concrete pavement surface and replace shoulders on three disconnected sections of pavement on Route 61 in Pike County. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission recently awarded the project to Mid-River Asphalt, Inc. of Troy, MO for $1,079,219.71.

            Two southbound sections with a combined length of nearly 6.8 miles, and one northbound section approximately 1.1 miles long between Bowling Green and Eolia will be improved. Diamond grinding is the removal of a thin layer of concrete, generally about ¼ inch from the surface of the pavement, to eliminate surface irregularities, restore a smooth-riding surface and to increase pavement surface friction. "Diamond grinding will smooth the surface and provide a smoother, quieter surface for traffic," said Rick Domzalski, transportation project manager.

            Traffic will be handled on the existing pavement, but will be restricted to one lane with a 45 mph work zone speed limit. Details about the project will be released to local media prior to construction beginning. The public is urged to use caution during construction. Work is expected to begin after August and be completed by November 2009.

            All roadwork is posted on the traveler information map on the day it begins. Those traveling and the commuting public are encouraged to check the online map at http://www.modot.org/ daily for new work zones. MoDOT also offers e-update message send directly to your email when roadwork is scheduled. Sign up online or call MoDOT's customer service center at 1-888-275-6636 during normal business hours.

            For the first time, MoDOT is seeking traveler feedback on construction work zones on state highways with the goal of making them safer and better. A customer survey, available on MoDOT's website at http://www.modot.org/workzones/Comment.htm allows you to provide feedback on specific work zones through which you have traveled.