Weather permitting, beginning August 19, U.S. Route 61 is tentatively scheduled to close from just south of the Iowa State line to east of U.S. Route 136, near Alexandria in Clark County, as work begins on the initial phase of a project to raise the roadway approximately 2.5 feet on 1.3 miles of U.S. Route 61. The duration of the closure is scheduled for up to 14 days to allow for the installation of new culvert pipes and drainage work at several locations within the project limits.
Once the initial drainage work is complete and U.S. 61 is re-opened to traffic, the next phase of work will begin to complete grading work for the reconstruction of the roadway. Pavement will be installed using successive lifts (or stairstep layers) of asphalt to raise the grade of the highway and allow for reduced future traffic impacts due to seasonal flooding experienced in this area. Throughout subsequent phases of the project, U.S. 61 will be reduced to one lane, including a 12-foot width restriction, while workers are present during daylight hours. Access to area businesses will be unrestricted during this time. Signs, including message boards, will be utilized for traffic control and alerts, such as schedule changes. Flaggers and a pilot car will guide motorists through the work zone.
All work is weather dependent and schedules are subject to change. All work is anticipated to be completed by November 1, 2024. The $5.4M contract was awarded last year to W. L. Miller Company of Hamilton, IL.
For more information on this and other projects in your area, please contact MoDOT’s Customer Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK MODOT (275- 6636). Work with us in the work zone! Please remember to obey all work zone signs and personnel. With an increased number of highway work zones in Missouri, we urge all drivers to pay attention every second while driving, especially through a work zone. Be informed of your route by checking the MoDOT Traveler Information Map before you travel.
