A new bridge at U.S. 54 over the Mississippi River at Louisiana and raising the road at U.S. 61 near Alexandria are two Missouri transportation projects that could be constructed within the next 10 years, depending on the outcome of Constitutional Amendment 7 to be voted on Aug. 5.  These are only a few of the projects identified on a regional project list which was developed with significant input and reflects the needs of the Northeast Region. "This list reflects the priorities of the long-range transportation plan which include take care of the system, safety, economic development and other transportation choices," said MoDOT NE District Engineer Paula Gough.

The statewide list includes $4.8 billion in transportation projects. While a significant amount of work focuses on Missouri's roads and bridges, it also incorporates other modes of transportation.

"Some of the key accomplishments are addressing 41 deficient bridges, including replacing the Champ Clark Bridge over the Mississippi River at Louisiana, resurfacing more than 800 miles of roadways, and begin construction on a shared four-lane on U.S. 54," Gough said.  "This list also includes upgrading the interchange of Route 47 at US 61 in Troy and making several intersection improvements," she added.  "We also have some funding allocated for OATS and other modes of transportation," she said. Ultimately, the delivery of projects outlined in this priorities list will go a long way toward fixing roads and bridges and improving transportation. The end result of this work would affect Missourians in every region the state and help meet the goals set forth in last year's long range transportation plan.

Within the northeast region, the following projects are just a few that are included to be completed within 10 years should Constitutional Amendment 7 pass:

•·         Champ Clark Bridge at U.S. 54 over Mississippi River in Louisiana (contingent on funding from Illinois)

•·         Raising U.S. 61 near Alexandria to reduce and possibly eliminate road closures due to flooding

•·         Shared four-lane between Mexico and Scott's Corner at MO 19/US 54

•·         An upgraded interchange at U.S. 61/MO 47 in Troy

•·         A new interchange at U.S. 61/MO 6 in Kirksville

•·         Safety improvements including several intersections located near schools

•·         841 miles of resurfacing, which includes 116 miles of shoulders

•·         43 bridge replacements or improvements

The northeast district transportation improvement list and information about the amendment are available at www.modot.org/movingforward. View projects by district by clicking on the online map showing each MoDOT region.

On Aug. 5, Missouri voters will decide on Amendment 7, a ballot measure to temporarily raise Missouri's sales tax by ¾ of a cent. All proceeds from the 10-year tax would go toward much-needed transportation improvements across the state. The amendment's provisions include the creation of a project list prior to the election so Missourians can see what their tax dollars would fund.

For more information, visit www.modot.org/movingforward or contact MoDOT's customer service center at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636).