HANNIBAL – The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission voted January 8 to add a safety improvement project to the statewide transportation improvement program (STIP). The safety project is located in Ralls County on the U.S. Route 61 corridor through New London, specifically at Route A, 5th Street, Kingsville Road, and the off ramp at the MO 19 interchange.
With this action taken by the Commission, long-term safety improvements that will be constructed by the project will be advertised to the construction community in the spring to gather bids. “Depending on the quality of the bids, the project could start this spring or summer and be completed by the end of the year,” said MoDOT Area Engineer Brian Untiedt. The aspects of the project include:
- Add a dedicated right turn lane at the southbound off-ramp of U.S. 61/MO 19 interchange
- Install offset left turn lanes on U.S. 61 at Route A (similar to Ross Street in Palmyra)
- Removal of some movements that have led to crashes in the past at Route A and 5th Street/Kingsville Road
- Install a median U-turn on U.S. 61 1/3 mile north of Route A
- Additional acceleration and deceleration lanes
A Citizens Advisory Group (CAG) was formed in early 2017 to assist in exploring how to reduce fatalities and severe crashes along the U.S. 61 corridor in this area. A public informational meeting held last October met with mostly favorable feedback from area residents. Short-term safety improvements have already been completed in this area.
“While these improvements will enhance safety, it is the responsibility of all drivers to focus on the task of driving by paying attention to your surroundings, being patient and always wear a seat belt,” Untiedt added.
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