HANNIBAL - Next spring, MoDOT will be working with a contractor to make improvements on Route B and the South Outer Road adjacent to Interstate 70.  As part of its process, MoDOT invites the public to share comments about the project and provides the opportunity to request a public hearing.  Any requests must be made in writing to the attention of the District Engineer, MoDOT, PO Box 1067, Hannibal, MO 63401 or by email customerservice3@modot.mo.gov.  A web page sharing information about the project is at www.modot.org/northeast under Warren County. Requests must be received by Friday, November 18, 2009.

"This section of the Route B pavement is inadequate for the daily traffic demands," said MoDOT Transportation Project Manager Chris Knapp.  "This has resulted in poor pavement condition requiring frequent maintenance repairs," he added. To improve the structure and surface of the road, MoDOT will replace the pavement along Route B and resurface a portion of the South Outer Road.  Route B will also be widened south of the interchange and the guardrail will be removed.

"Construction of the new Route B pavement will require a four day closure of Route B and the ramps at the Route A/B and Interstate 70 interchange," Knapp explained. The overlay of the South Outer Road and work at the intersection of Route B and the South Outer Road will involve periodic lane closures with flagmen controlling traffic.

"We want to minimize construction impacts to residences and businesses, so we welcome the public's feedback to achieve this goal," Knapp said.  Drivers will be kept informed of updates via message boards along I-70, as well as through local media. Subscribers to MoDOT's free e-update service will be notified by email of any updated on the project.

For questions about this project, please call Knapp at (573) 248-2586 or by e-mail at Christopher.Knapp@modot.mo.gov.