HANNIBAL – The intersection safety improvements at U.S. Route 61 and Route KK in Lincoln County just north of Troy are nearly complete, and Route KK will reopen later this afternoon after being closed while improvements were being made. Drivers will now have the ability to turn left into Route KK from U.S. 61 northbound lanes using a separate turn lane. U.S. 61 southbound drivers can now use the new acceleration lane when they turn out of Route KK to go toward Troy. Along with these two improvements, the Route KK intersection itself has been widened to allow more room for vehicles coming in and out.
The intersection has temporary markings to guide traffic; permanent striping will be done in a few weeks after the asphalt has cured.
The project was combined with the U.S. Route 61 Cuivre River Bridge replacements just south of Route KK. “With a lot of the dirt work completed after being impeded by flooding, the contractor is making good progress, and we can see how the first bridge is taking shape,” said Missouri Department of Transportation Construction Inspector Joseph Smith.
These improvements can enhance safer travel, yet the best way to ensure the traveling public is safe is to ensure drivers are paying attention to their surroundings by eliminating distractions and are aware of oncoming traffic. One of the best defenses to staying safe in a crash is to ensure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seat belt.
To stay informed about this project and others in Lincoln County along U.S. 61, please go to this link to subscribe to e-updates: https://www6.modot.mo.gov/eMoDOTWeb/jsp/signon/signon.jsp