HANNIBAL – As work continues on U.S. 61/McMasters Ave, crews are making progress at the intersection of Stardust and McMasters Avenue toward reopening the intersection by August 6.
“Manufacturing issues delayed the availability and delivery of the permanent signal poles, but this will not prevent the intersection from opening as scheduled,” said Missouri Department of Transportation Area Engineer, Brian Haeffner. A temporary signal configuration may need to be to be put in place until the permanent structures arrive. “The intersection, including the new upgraded crosswalks, will still be fully functional if this is necessary, but it may not look as nice as it will when the permanent structures are in place,” said Haeffner. When the permanent structures arrive, they will be placed during nighttime hours which will provide minimal impact to traffic. Next week, crews will also be working on the drainage structures in this area including drop inlets and manholes near the intersection.
“Since traffic was shifted to accommodate for the temporary southbound lane in early July, there has been minimal disturbance to the traffic control from the traveling public,” said Haeffner. “This contributes to the safety within the work zone for motorists and workers and we appreciate the public assisting in helping us keep our “ducks” in a row,” he added.
Work on the entrances and the construction of sidewalks, curbs and gutters on the west side of U.S. 61/McMasters Avenue between Stardust and Long John Silvers has just begun, only minor cleanup and some tie in work remain on the east side along with some utility adjustments needed prior to completing the sidewalks.
The section between Stardust Drive and the I-72 interchange remains right in, right out only turns; no left turns. “Once the sidewalk, curb and gutter work is completed, the center turn lane will be reopened, which is anticipated by August 18,” Haeffner explained.
Included in the project is new signage near the U.S. Route 36 interchange with much of the work to be done overnight between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. All lanes of U.S. 61/McMasters Avenue will be resurfaced once the other improvements are completed. The resurfacing portion of the project is expected to take place in September and the project will be complete by mid-October.
The project begins north of the Missouri Route 168 intersection in Hannibal and continues to just north of Warren Barrett Drive. Chester Bross of Palmyra was awarded the project for just over $5.2 million.
Please use caution when traveling through this area, and obey all work zone signs and personnel. Also, please put down your cell phone to help eliminate distractions.
For more information contact MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK MoDOT (275-6636). or the MoDOT Northeast District site at www.modot.mo.gov/northeast, or sign up for specific McMasters Project updates through email and text alerts https://www6.modot.mo.gov/eMoDOTWeb/jsp/signon/signon.jsp.