FESTUS - Missouri Department of Transportation and its contractor Iron Mountain Trap Rock Company opened the Muddy Creek Bridge on Route 61 (two miles south of Interstate 55) this afternoon, two weeks earlier than scheduled. The bridge has been closed for approximately 2½ months for bridge replacement work. Route 61 was also widened to provide left turn lanes at Dooling Hollow Road. Construction will continue on Route 61, including striping and work on the shoulders and entrances.

This work is apart of the new Route 61 being constructed to improve the safety and capacity of this roadway.  MoDOT and Iron Mountain Trap Rock Company will install a concrete overlay along Route 61 for approximately 13 miles. This is the first five-inch concrete overlay project in the St. Louis area. This project is expected to be complete in approximately mid-November 2009.

Motorists should reduce their speed, use caution and pay attention in this work zone. Plan ahead for ways to avoid work zones, call 1-888-ASK-MODOT or visit our website at http://www.modot.org/.