HANNIBAL – The road work at the U.S. Route 54 and Missouri Route 79 intersection in Louisiana is entering the final phase of the project, which includes resurfacing of the road. Weather permitting, Monday, October 30th, the southern leg of the intersection of US 54 and MO 79 will close each day until Friday, November 3 as the contractor begins resurfacing. Signs will be set up for a detour, which includes routing motorists over to 7th Street, then connecting with U.S. Route 54 at the intersection where MO 79 goes north. “This will make it easier for the contractor to pave MO 79 south of the intersection,” explained Missouri Department of Transportation Area Engineer Brian Haeffner. Haeffner added that all the roads in that area will be open at the end of the day. “U.S. Route 54 will remain open for this work, but the lanes will be shifted to allow for two-way traffic during the resurfacing,” he added.
“This is part of the new Champ Clark Bridge replacement project, and work continues to progress on the removal of the old ferry landing on the Illinois side of the bridge,” Haeffner said. He encourages anyone interested in the project to visit the web site at www.champclarkbridge.com, which features a bridge camera showing work in near-real time, along with photographs of construction.
“We appreciate the patience of drivers as we continue to improve Missouri’s transportation system,” Haeffer said. For the safety of workers and drivers, he reminds everyone to slow down in the work zone, put down the phone, and always wear a seat belt.