HANNIBAL - Drivers can expect to see a lot of activity in Bowling Green on Business U.S. Route 61 at Missouri Route 161 and Court Street as construction of a roundabout is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 11.
Bleigh Construction Company was awarded the contract by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission last winter for $1,397,215. This project is a cost share project with the City of Bowling Green. The completion date for the project is November 1.
“This project will replace the existing four-way stop on Business 61/Court Street and MO 161. The new roundabout intersection will improve traffic flow in addition to increase safety and improve access to nearby businesses, especially during peak traffic times,” explained Missouri Department of Transportation Assistant District Engineer, Kevin James.
The project will include a 170’ roundabout with a 19’ truck apron to be completed in four major stages of construction. The initial phase includes grading, temporary pavement construction and some entrance work which is all scheduled to be completed during nighttime hours to when traffic volumes are lower in order to minimize traffic impacts.
“The roundabout intersection improvement will be constructed one-half at a time. Work included in the second phase, scheduled to begin early to mid-May, includes the 70-day closure of MO 161 during which time the south half of the roundabout will be completed,” added James. A signed detour will be in place during this time to direct motorists around the work zone.
With the end of the temporary detour, comes the construction of the northern portion of the roundabout in stage three. This work will begin tentatively around late July at which time traffic will be shifted over the newly constructed southern portion of the roundabout and Court Street access at this location will be closed. Motorists will need to use alternate routes during this time. Drainage work, intersection lighting, pavement, demolition, removals and additional entrance work will be accomplished during this phase as well.
Upon moving to the final stage of the project, all legs of the roundabout will be open to normal traffic patterns as finish work is completed during nighttime hours, including permanent pavement markings, removal of temporary pavement and the installation of splitter islands.
Schedule changes could occur due to weather or material availability. We ask motorists to please be attentive in work zones for their safety and the safety of highway workers. Please obey all traffic signs and personnel and eliminate distractions by putting down your phone.
MoDOT and the City of Bowling Green will alert the public about the project through signs, news releases and social media. For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or the City of Bowling Green at 573-324-5451. To learn more about this project visit https://www.modot.org/roundabout-bowling-green.
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