HANNIBAL – The new roundabout, located at the east end of the under-construction Interstate 70 interchange in Warrenton, is expected to open sometime today, Friday. “This is a milestone in construction, which continues to progress well,” said Missouri Department of Transportation Area Engineer Erik Maninga. “Route MM and Veterans Memorial Parkway will be open to traffic and using the new roundabout” he added.
Over the next couple of weeks, work will continue on the south side of the Interstate with plans to reopen the south outer road throughout the project on June 30th. At that time, the circular art of the south roundabout will open, but the legs leading north across the bridge and to the on and off ramps will be barricaded off. Opening of the remainder of the interchange will take place later this year.
The landscaping portion of the project will be completed later this fall when conditions are more favorable for transplanting. At that time, dramatic changes will be seen taking place in each of the roundabouts and in the areas between the roundabouts near the overpass.
This project is fully funded by two 1/2 cent sales taxes passed by the residents of the city of Warrenton. The project includes two additional roundabouts; located at each end of the overpass to connect the outer roads. In exchange for adding to Missouri’s transportation system, the City has agreed to assume responsibility of ownership and maintenance of Route MM to Main Street and Veterans Memorial Parkway from Denny’s to the new interchange.