MACON – The Missouri Department of Transportation is anticipating replacement of the Missouri Route 19 bridge over Interstate 70 near New Florence and in 2023. At a public meeting held on Feb. 11, 2020, four options were presented regarding the new bridge and reconfiguring of the interchange. Over 60% of the comments received supported the recommended alternative of constructing the new MO 19 bridge to the west of the existing bridge and utilizing roundabouts for the ramp and outer road intersections.
At the public meeting, comments were received regarding ensuring large vehicles can safely maneuver through the new roundabouts. “Upon further evaluation, the design was modified to construct the roundabouts to be an oval shape versus a symmetrical circular shape to allow more room for larger vehicles,” said MoDOT Project Manager Kimberly Trainor. The revised design, along with all other project related information can be found on MoDOT’s project website https://www.modot.org/missouri-route-19-bridge-replacement-over-i-70. The estimated cost of the recommended option is $9.72 million.
Since the recommended design has been modified, an additional comment period of 30 days has been opened for feedback. Comments may be submitted by accessing the project website or emailing Montgomery19@modot.mo.gov. In addition, comments can be mailed to the Missouri Department of Transportation, 1711 Highway 61 South, Hannibal, MO 63401, attention Montgomery 19.
“The next step to this project is to reevaluate the Improve I-70 Study completed in 2006 and reevaluated in 2009 and seek approval from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the recommended alternate presented at the public meeting,” Trainor said. The original study can be found at http://www.improvei70.org/environmental_7.htm.
The study includes approximately 0.5 mile of MO 19 and includes the diamond interchange with I-70, as well as the outer road connections at Booneslick Road and Tree Farm Road. FHWA is expected to provide funding for the project and serve as the lead agency for the project. MoDOT is a co-lead agency and will be providing overall guidance and management of the project.
Due to COVID-19 precautions and current restrictions on gatherings, in person meetings are not advised, but MoDOT representatives will respond via phone and email.
Information on this and other projects may be found online at www.modot.org/northeast, or you can call our customer service at 1-888 ASK MODOT (275-6636).