HANNIBAL - MoDOT, Crossroads Center, and state and local officials will break ground for an interchange that will provide improved access on and off US 61 at Route U and Mette Road in Moscow Mills.  The event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8 at 4 p.m. just off Mette Road, and the public is invited.

"We are delighted to be working with the developer on this cost-share project that will not only provide safer travel, but also encourage economic opportunities in the region," said MoDOT Northeast District Engineer Paula Gough.

Construction of the nine million dollar, diamond-style interchange will begin soon after the groundbreaking, and utility relocation has already begun.  When complete in 2010, it will resemble the interchange at Route C in Moscow Mills.  "It is our intention to improve US 61 in Lincoln County by continuing to construct interchanges and connect outer roads," Gough said.  An interchange at South Lincoln Drive is included in MoDOT's five-year program, with construction to begin in 2013.

Dignitaries invited to speak include US Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond, US Senator Claire McCaskill, Congressman Todd Akin, Mr. Gerald Schoenfelder of Crossroads Center, Senator Scott Rupp, Representative Ed Schieffer, City of Moscow Mills Mayor Mike Clynch, and Gough.  Also participating in the ceremony are Lincoln Co. Presiding Commissioner Sean O'Brien, Moscow Mills Chamber President Casey Hopkins, and Steve Etcher, Executive Director of the Boonslick Regional Planning Commission.

Information about the project can be found online at modot.org/northeast under Lincoln County, or by calling MoDOT at 1-888-275-6636.

The ceremony is being held during National Work Zone Awareness Week.  "The Moscow Mills Police Department will be providing enforcement throughout the project to ensure drivers are obeying the work zone speed limits and driving safely," said Chief Terry Foster.

Drivers interested in receiving email alerts about lane closures and construction updates can sign up online at modot.org/northeast and clicking the e-update link.