HANNIBAL - MoDOT and Crossroads Center have come to a cost-share agreement to construct an interchange between Route U and Mette Road on US Route 61 in Lincoln County.  The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved the addition of the $14 million cost-share project to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) at its April 9th meeting.

"We are very pleased to be able to add this project to our construction schedule," said MoDOT District Engineer Paula Gough. "This interchange will provide improved access to US Route 61," she added.

This project is a cost-share between MoDOT and Crossroads Center with an estimated cost of $14 million.  MoDOT's cost participation is capped at $7 million, and its engineers are working with Crossroad Center's engineer to develop preliminary roadway plans.  In addition to the land being acquired from Crossroads Center, MoDOT has enough right of way to construct the interchange without acquiring additional land. Preliminary plans and additional project details will be available for review and comment at a public meeting on Thursday, May 22 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Moscow Mills Community Center.

MoDOT and Crossroads Center expect to have final plans completed in Fall 2008 and the project has an anticipated award date of January 2009.  Construction of the project is expected to begin in Spring 2009, with an anticipated completion in Fall 2010.  During construction, motorists will continue to access Route U and Mette Road from US Route 61 at their current locations.

"We appreciate everyone who has been part of this process and their support and interest in improving US Route 61," Gough said.

More information about the US Route 61 at Route U/Mette Interchange Project is online at www.MoDOT.org/northeast, or those interested can call the customer service center toll-free at 1-888-275-6636.