A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 22, at 2:00 p.m. to kick-off the construction of the Route 67/Old Orchard Road Interchange in Bonne Terre.  The ceremony will be held directly behind Parkland Health Center, 7245 Raider Road in Bonne Terre, with parking available in the Parkland Health Center's north parking lot. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the downstairs meeting room at the Parkland Health Center facility.

Anticipated speakers include:

·         Tom Schulte on behalf of U.S. Senator Kit Bond

·         Heather Garner on behalf of U.S. Representative JoAnn Emerson

·         Missouri Senator Kevin Engler

·         Missouri Representative Brad Robinson

·         Bonne Terre Mayor Fritz Gower

·         MoDOT Southeast District Engineer Mark Shelton

To improve safety and provide smoother traffic flow on heavily traveled Route 67 in St. Francois County, a new interchange is being built at Route 67 and Old Orchard Road with several existing median crossings being removed in the area. The project includes grading, drainage, and paving for construction of an outer road and interchange with Old Orchard Road. 

The $7,743,813 contract was awarded in February 2008 to Iron Mountain Construction, Iron Mountain, Mo. The project is anticipated for completion in late summer 2009.

For more information, contact Community Relations Manager Angie Wilson at (573) 472-6632 or call MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636).

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