HANNIBAL – Signs will soon be installed in the U.S. Route 54 and Missouri Route 79 area of Louisiana to alert drivers of pending work in the area.  Improving this intersection with new pavement, striping, sidewalks and lighting officially will start the work towards a new Champ Clark Bridge.  “The contractor will begin placing road work signs the week of September 11,” said Missouri Department of Transportation Area Engineer Brian Haeffner, P.E.  “The first phase of the project will be to remove and replace the sidewalks within the intersection," he explained.  Soon after, the old surface of the road will be removed and new pavement put down.  “There will be a 12’ lane restriction, which can be expected on and off for the duration of the project," Haeffner said.  Once the new pavement is down, new striping and lane markings will be placed.  The final phase of the project will be the addition of new lighting.  “This is a good safety enhancement by making the area brighter,” he added.

Fortunately, none of the businesses in the area were displaced by the new bridge project; only a sign at Ayerco that will need to be moved.  “The existing bridge will remain open throughout the duration of the project, unless there is an unforeseen safety issue,” Haeffner explained.  Work on the new bridge will begin later this year.

For more information about the project, go to www.champclarkbridge.com.