HANNIBAL - Preparations are underway for the Missouri Department of Transportation crews to accomplish a prescribed burn this month at the Northeast District Office, located off of U.S. Route 61 in Hannibal. “Prescribed burning provides a variety of benefits to native species and habitats, and helps reduce the threat of devastating wildfires,” explained MoDOT Roadside Manager Jeff Stewart. The burn will be carefully planned and monitored and will likely occur later this month. “The scheduling of this prescribed burn is dependent on weather and vegetation meeting certain conditions, and will not be determined until the morning of the burning,” Stewart added.
The prescribed burn will create smoke that can easily be seen from U.S. 61, but should not significantly impact visibility for traffic. “We plan to conduct the burn during weather conditions that will allow for smoke to disperse without causing negative impacts,” Stewart said, noting this is why a definite decision to burn will not be made until that day.
Message boards will be set up along U.S. 61 identifying a prescribed burn is taking place.
For more information, contact MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK MoDOT (275-6636). All roadwork is posted on the traveler information map. You can also visit us online at www.modot.org/northeast.