October 29, 2004 - Farmers invited to free transportation workshop
MoDOT wants to help farmers operate safely on highways and to avoid penalties for violations. That's why experts from the department's motor carrier services division will be in Hannibal on Wednesday, December 1 from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. to offer a free agricultural transportation workshop.
Every year, many farmers and producers are surprised to find that they are subject to federal and state safety and economic registration transportation laws.
"Whether motor carrier laws apply to farmers depends on a number of factors like the kind of truck, the length of the trip and other reasons. It can get confusing," said Darrell Chute, senior motor carrier specialist at the Missouri Department of Transportation.
Those who attend will learn which, if any, freight carrier laws apply to their operation. They'll also learn what procedures to take before hauling extra-wide, tall or heavy loads or before operating across state lines.
"We'll talk about safety regulations, registration procedures and permits that are required for special situations," said Chute.
The seminar will be held at MoDOT's Northeast District office on South Highway 61 in Hannibal. Lunch will not be provided, but a one hour break will be given at lunch time. For reservations, please contact Pam Taylor or Lori Hall, by calling toll free 1-866-831-6277, extension #2 or 573-522-4937.

October 29, 2004 - Bridge on Route 151 in Monroe County open

The newly constructed bridge at the Middle Fork of Salt River on Route 151 north of Madison is now open to traffic.   The new bridge is 32 feet wide and is in the same location as the old bridge.   During construction the road was closed and traffic was detoured saving Missouri taxpayers approximately $365,000.  

October 8, 2004 - Work progresses on Route 61 at Warren Barrett; median open, but no straight traffic allowed

              Next week, MoDOT and its contractor, Bleigh Construction, will partially open the median crossover at Route 61 and Warren Barrett Drive.   "All movements will be allowed, except for traffic going straight across the median from Red Devil Road to Warren Barrett and vice versa," explained MoDOT Resident Engineer Macy Rodenbaugh.   Both side roads will be accessible for all motorists on Route 61.   Rodenbaugh continued, "Until we can get the signals installed, we didn't feel it would be a safe situation for those needing to go straight across in either direction."

              "This is still a major construction zone, so we appreciate motorists continuing to slow down and being very observant to activity in the area," Rodenbaugh said.  

              The median crossover has been closed for two weeks so crews could finish necessary work to prepare for the installation of signals.   A concrete island in the middle of the median will work as a channelizer for traffic.   The left and right turn lanes from Route 61 onto both side roads are completed.   Within the next month, crews will install the steel posts and signals at the intersection.  

              Direct communication has been made with General Mills about this change, and changeable message boards will be placed on the both side roads alerting motorists of the restriction.  

              Questions about this project can be directed to MoDOT's customer service center which is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.   The toll-free number is 1-888-275-6636 and the local number is 573-248-2490.  

Map of intersection

October 4, 2004 - Construction Completed on Route 54 Bridge in Pike County

The Missouri Department of Transportation and its contractor have completed construction of the new Noix Creek Bridge on Route 54 between Bowling Green and Louisiana.

October 1, 2004 - Turn Lane on US 24/36 at Route H Completed

Construction of the new westbound left turn lane has recently been completed on US 24/36 at Route H in Marion County west of Hannibal.