JEFFERSON CITY - At their monthly meeting on Feb. 4, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved a project to realign Missouri Blvd. at the U.S. Route 50 and Route 179 interchange. The work will increase traffic capacity and smooth traffic flow.

When completed, a bridge will allow Missouri Blvd. motorists to travel over Route 179 or use connector roads to access Route 179. Additional left-turn lanes will be constructed at several locations, including a left-turn lane from northbound Route 179 to the Runge Nature Center and a left-turn lane from westbound Missouri Blvd. to Howerton Court. Dual left-turn lanes will be available from the westbound Route 50 off ramp to southbound Route 179 and from northbound Route 179 to the westbound Route 50 on ramp.

"As this area of Jefferson City continues to grow and develop, the project to realign Missouri Blvd. becomes increasingly important to reduce the congestion occurring at this interchange area," said Trent Brooks, MoDOT Transportation Project Manager.

Emery Sapp and Sons, Inc. of Columbia, Mo. was awarded the project after submitting a bid of $6,795,644.83. Work will begin in early March and will be completed in the late fall. 

"A tight timeline was established for the completion of the work to minimize disruption to traffic," said Brooks. "However, motorists should expect various lane closures during construction, as well as some work at night. We do appreciate the patience of the community during this time and know that the completed project will ultimately mean a safer, smoother flow of traffic."

No additional right of way or easements are needed to complete the project. The project is being funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

For more information about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT 9275-6636) or log onto www.modot.org/central.