MoDOT is in the early stages of designing the Hannibal Expressway, formerly known as the Hannibal Bypass. For those who attended the first meeting of the Citizen's Advisory Committee, we appreciate your time to be an integral part of the public involvement process as we move forward to improve transportation in the Hannibal area.
The location study for the original project was completed nearly 12 years ago. This included a survey that is necessary to determine environmental impacts and the location of the highway. Since then, MoDOT has implemented several improvements in design and has experienced significant changes that have affected the location study outcome. The most significant change is that of a practical design concept, which allows us to provide the best value for every dollar spent on a project. Practical design means we will design for what is needed in the near future, not necessarily more than 20 years. This concept allows MoDOT to use taxpayer dollars wisely, since it is difficult to predict the future use of any transportation improvement.
SURVEY LOCATION: It is for these reasons we are resurveying the Ralls and Marion County areas south and west of Hannibal. To survey, white cloth targets will be set throughout the area. The survey area includes north of US 24, the interchange near the Rocket, and a large area between there and US 61. Along US 61, the area begins just north of Wright's Furniture going south to Injun Jo Campground. We have contracted with a consultant to capture the survey information by air. This consultant will be in touch with property owners asking for permission to set the targets. Depending on weather, we anticipate this process to be completed by the middle of February.
We appreciate your willingness to allow the consultant to set the targets on your property. We have a map in the district office that shows where targets will be set. I can assure you the consultant staff will be professional and respectful, and the targets will be removed as soon as the data is gathered. If you have any concerns or questions about this process, please do not hesitate to call our district office at 573-248-2490. Our customer service representatives may be able to answer your questions, or refer you to the appropriate person.
Once we have the survey data gathered, it will take several weeks to interpret the data, making it usable for design. When the data is interpreted, we will make arrangements for a public meeting to discuss the possible alternative locations for the Hannibal Expressway.
Prior to the public meeting, we will hold a citizen's advisory committee meeting to share information about the survey data, as well as ask assistance in determining any concerns, specific historical data, or other issues that could affect the design.