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MACON, MISSOURI -- Press Release from MoDOT

Its official, Monday morning the final section of US Hwy 36 between Clarence and Shelbina opened to traffic, making the corridor a four-lane facility across the entire state of Missouri.  The contractor will continue to do finishing work, which will require short lane drops to be in place in various locations between Shelbina and Macon.  All of the work on this section should be completed later this fall.

The project to four-lane 52-miles of US Hwy 36 between Hannibal and Macon began in the summer of 2007 at a project cost of $74 million.  Monday, the anxiously awaited milestone of opening the very last section to traffic has been realized.

"This is a great day for citizens of Missouri and the adjoining states," said North Central District Engineer Dan Niec.  "We truly appreciate the efforts of all the groups and individuals who have worked so hard to make this a reality."
           

In July citizens of Macon, Shelbina, Monroe and Marion Counties dedicated the corridor with a full day of activities. The day began with a ribbon cutting in Macon followed by ceremonies in Clarence, Shelbina, Lakenan, Monroe City and Hannibal.

In addition, seven miles of pavement rehabilitation is underway on the eastbound lanes in Marion and Shelby County.  Traffic will be reduced to one lane in the work zone areas. "This is another project to improve the condition of our major roads," said Northeast District Engineer Paula Gough. "The pavement rehabilitation work is scheduled to be completed later this fall," added Gough.

Photos of Monday's opening and photos, video and information on the project and dedication ceremonies can be found at http://www.modot.mo.gov/northcentral/majorprojects/Route36celebration.htm