Construction begins this week on turn lane near Mark Twain High School in Center

HANNIBAL — Drivers can expect to see a lot of activity around Mark Twain High School on Missouri Route 19 near Center as construction begins on a corridor improvement project from Bus Barn Road to Mark Twain Road in Ralls County near Center.  The work is scheduled to begin during the week of March 20, with anticipated completion by the end of May.

This work will involve grading a pavement widening to allow for a center turn lane at the entrance of the high school. The contract also includes a resurfacing project located on Route 19 from U.S. Route 61 in Ralls County to Route J near Basinger Corner in Audrain County.  This work is scheduled to begin early summer.

Emery Sapp and Sons, Inc., was awarded the contract by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission last winter for $11,416,278.

During specific phases of this project, intermittent lane and entrance closures will be necessary. 

Schedule changes could occur due to weather or material availability. Motorists should be attentive in work zones for their safety and the safety of highway workers. Obey all traffic signs and personnel, and eliminate distractions by putting down your phone.

MoDOT will alert the public about the project through signs, news releases and social media.  For more information, call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).

All work zones are online at www.modot.org/northeast. Receive the latest news about road work in your area by signing up for e-updates, receiving emails or text messages about road work involving roads, projects or counties of interest.