MACON – Over the last several weeks motorists have begun to see steady progress on the construction of the project including climbing lanes on Interstate 70 at Mineola HIll in Montgomery County. Current progress has included blasting operations to expand the corridor while obtaining materials for the upcoming improvement, as well as installing new high-tension guard cable off the inside shoulder of westbound I-70 near Danville.
“We are pleased with the progress being made, but there is still significant work to be accomplished this year,” said MoDOT Project Director Brandi Baldwin. “Plans are to have the overflow bridges replaced and the paving of the new lanes completed by the end of 2020,” she added. Construction on the new eastbound bridge over Loutre River is scheduled to take place this winter into next summer, weather permitting.
Lane closures are taking place at night to complete work, so motorists are urged to pay attention to work zone signs and changing conditions. Changeable message boards are in place to alert motorists of the work. Please also be aware that I-70 carries a significant amount of freight throughout the day and night. Large trucks should be given plenty of room and drivers should stay out of their blind spots.
“We ask that all motorists be alert to changing conditions through the work zone. With your patience, awareness and cooperation, we will have a safe work zone for our workers, as well as the traveling public and greatly improve upon a significant freight bottleneck on I-70 by the end of this year,” added ESS Project Manager Matt Oesch.
The ESS Team, headquartered in Columbia, Missouri, is leading the project. The ESS Team is comprised of Emery Sapp & Sons serving as the prime contractor and Bartlett & West providing the design services.
This highway project is made possible by a federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant in combination with the replacement of the I-70 Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport in Boone and Cooper Counties.
The program budget is $15.8 million dollars which includes preliminary engineering, construction engineering, stipends and the $14.4 million-dollar design-build contract.
For more information on this or other projects going on in your area, please contact MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK MoDOT (275-6636).You can also visit us online at www.modot.mo.gov/northeast.
As you approach a work zone, please don’t drive distracted. Always buckle up and put your phone down for your safety and the safety of highway workers. All work zones are online at www.modot.org, and you can receive the latest news about road work in your area by signing up for e-updates.