HANNIBAL – In response to an increase in run off the road crashes on U.S. Route 36 near Lakenan and Shelbina, the Missouri Department of Transportation will do a surface treatment operation in two locations Monday, September 24 and Tuesday, September 25, weather permitting. While the operation is active, Routes PP and T will be closed at Lakenan. The lane that has been treated that day will remain closed overnight for curing.
“We have been monitoring two curves in these locations on U.S. Route 36 for a few years and have noticed an increase in run off the road crashes during wet weather,” said MoDOT Area Engineer Brian Haeffner, P.E. To address this safety concern, Haeffner said the driving surface will be noticeably different once the operation is complete. “Drivers can expect to see and feel the difference in these two short sections when compared with the rest of the highway,” he explained. He added that actions have been taken in the past to reduce crashes, including the addition of chevron curve signs. “These helped, but only for a while,” he said. He also reminds drivers to reduce speed during inclement weather and setting cruise control during in rain is not recommended. A resurfacing project is planned for the highway between Clarence and Lakenan in 2020.
U.S. Route 36 will be one lane during the surface treatment operation. Drivers are asked to use caution, slow down, follow all work zone signs, and always wear a seat belt and put the phone down while driving.