HANNIBAL - Weather permitting, beginning March 16, MoDOT will begin utility relocation work in the median of US 61 near Route U and Mette Road in Moscow Mills. The utility work is the first phase of the construction contract to build a new interchange. MoDOT, Crossroads Center, the City of Moscow Mills, the Chamber of Commerce and officials in Lincoln County are working together to organize an official groundbreaking ceremony to signify the importance of this partnership and transportation project.

While crews are working, traffic will be reduced to one lane on US 61 in both the north and southbound lanes. At various times the crossovers on US 61 for Route U and Mette Road traffic could be closed. Construction equipment will be entering and exiting the work zone, motorists are urged to use caution and obey all road construction signs.

Changeable message boards will be set up on US 61 to alert motorists of the work and closures. Henry Burkemper is the senior construction inspector overseeing the project. "There are about 40,000 cars a day traveling through this area; we just ask that all drivers use extra caution while traveling through the work zone," he said.

Delays should be expected, and motorists are urged to use alternate routes during peak traffic hours. The utility work should take approximately four weeks to complete, weather permitting.

Actual construction of the new interchange could begin with dirt work later this month or in April. More information about the project can be found at www.modot.org/northeast or by calling customer service at 1-888-275-6636.