Cole/Moniteau Counties - The Missouri Department of Transportation is pleased to announce a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Route 50 relocation project in Cole and Moniteau Counties. United States Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond will speak at the event, and other state and local dignitaries have accepted an invitation to attend. "Sounds of Joy," a vocal group from the California High School, will perform. The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which will be held on Monday, February 26, 2007, at 10 a.m., at Kruger's Greenhouse, 56741 Highway 50, east of Route K. A reception will follow, and the event will be held rain or shine.

The ceremony celebrates the beginning of the first phase of the Route 50 relocation project, which will create a new four-lane highway between St. Martins to Route K, east of California. The first phase is 11 miles long and includes grading, paving, and drainage. The $29 million construction will be complete by the end of 2008. A second seven-mile phase, from Route K to just west of California, will be completed by the end of 2010.

The relocation of Route 50 is funded as part of the Smoother, Safer, Sooner Program resulting from the passage of Amendment 3 in fall 2004. The total project cost is $87 million.

For additional information about the groundbreaking or other transportation matters, please contact the Missouri Department of Transportation toll-free at 888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).