| HANNIBAL, Mo – Wednesday, April 20, MoDOT plans to temporarily close Route
136/61 at Alexandria due to high water from heavy rain received north of the
area. The Mississippi River is nearing flood stage at Alexandria and expected to
cover the road later today, which is earlier than anticipated based on previous
predictions from the National Weather Service Hydrographs. This morning, the water was at the edge of the roadway and continuing to rise
at a steady pace. MoDOT crews anticipate this closure could happen sometime
between 3 to 7 p.m. this evening. Due to the amount of rainfall north of the
area it is uncertain when the road will open to traffic. Route 136/61 traffic normally going across the Des Moines River Bridge near
Keokuk, Iowa is being directed to the Des Moines River Bridge at St.
Francisville. Motorists traveling into Iowa should proceed north on Route 61 to
Wayland, and continue north on Route 27 through St. Francisville into Iowa.
Detour signs are in place to advise motorists of these alternate routes. MoDOT reminds motorists that it is dangerous to drive into water-covered
roads. Crews will continue to monitor these highways and will not reopen until
safe passage is possible. The roadway will be opened to motorists as soon as the
floodwater recedes and the roadway has been cleared for safe travel. Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org or call MoDOT’s
toll-free Customer Service line at 1-888-275-6636 (1-888-ASK MODOT) during
normal business hours or visit our website at www.modot.gov/northeast. | 
