HANNIBAL - Construction on U.S. Route 61/McMasters Avenue in Hannibal is expected to start this spring, and Chester Bross Construction has been awarded the contract for $5,213,662. There are several phases of this project that, when completed, will result in a smoother surface and improved safety. These phases will require the contractor to close lanes, some entrances, and work some at night, among other traffic impacts. Due to the several different phases of this large project, the Missouri Department of Transportation is reaching out to local organizations and businesses to inform the public about how this construction will impact them this upcoming spring, summer and fall.
To request a speaker, simply call MoDOT at 573-248-2502 or go to this link, complete the form, and select Work Zone as your topic.
“This project will include resurfacing the highway from just north of the MO 168 intersection to Warren Barrett Drive, improving the Stardust Drive/Pirate Pride Drive intersection, adding new sidewalks to the west side of McMasters Avenue between Stardust Drive and Washita Avenue, replacing sidewalks on the east side of McMasters, improving drainage to relieve flooding, and adding new signage near the U.S. Route 36 interchange,” explained MoDOT Area Engineer Brian Haeffner, P.E.
Lane reductions will be required to complete the resurfacing work throughout the work zone. Traffic will be reduced to two lanes in each direction between US Route 36 and Stardust Drive by temporarily removing the center turn lane, which will temporarily eliminate the ability to turn left onto or off of McMasters Avenue while the sidewalk construction takes place. During the portion of work at the Stardust Drive intersection, the entrances to Stardust Drive and Pirate Pride Drive off of U.S. 61/McMasters Avenue will be closed.
Although a specific date has not been set for when the work will begin, MoDOT is working with various organizations and businesses, including the Hannibal Public School administration, to start getting the message out about the significant work zone and its impacts. One way to stay informed is to subscribe to MoDOT’s e-update service. A “Let’s Get Moving on McMaster’s” web page is also available.
“Organizations, businesses, households and individuals depend on transportation, and we want to make your commute safe, smooth and efficient,” Haeffner said.
“In addition to sharing information about the McMaster’s Avenue project, we are happy to discuss what we do, how we involve groups and individuals in the decisions we make and how you can help shape the future of transportation,” said MoDOT Communications Manager Marisa Ellison. “There are other projects in the area including the U.S. Route 24 South Fabius River bridge project, and some incremental safety improvements we are making, and we are always glad to speak about those and other related topics,” she added.