Updated November 2007 Only 9 more miles to go... An Update on the Avenue of the Saints Interchange News Clark County Lewis County In our earlier newsletter, we indicated The final section of the Avenue of the Since MoDOT opened the six miles of that we hoped to open the east side of Saints is on schedule with 70% of the Route 61 in Lewis County, crews have the new interchange this fall, however work completed. Two-way traffic is now completed striping and are continuing to the ramps at the interchange will not be traveling on the new northbound lanes work on areas of the pavement to ensure opened to traffic until next year. Crews so that the soon-to-be southbound lanes a smoother ride for motorists.. These are continuing to work on the overpass can be constructed and tied in to some repairs should be completed and all lanes at the new interchange on Route 61 at of the existing pieces. The paving crew is opened to traffic by the end of October. Route 27 (formerly the scheduled to begin 136 Spur) near Running paving along the Fox Elementary School to southbound sections in ensure the safest possible November, starting at travel for area residents. the north end of the The east and west project going south. In portions of the June 2008, when the interchange will continue to be under final section in Clark County is finished, construction with no access for traffic to more than 500 miles of four-lane Route 61 at Route 27. Access to County highway connecting three states from St. Road 309 from the east side of the Paul, Minnesota through Iowa to St. interchange will remain closed until the Louis, Missouri will be complete. ramps are open to traffic. Motorists wishing to travel on Route 61 to For more information, go to www.modot.org/northeast and click on the Avenue of the Saints link. If you would like to re- Alexandria will have to continue using ceive email updates about the project, send us a note at cus- the posted detour to the interchange at [email protected] or call 1-888-275-6636. Wayland until next spring. Drive Smart in Work Zones to Arrive Alive Buckle Up! – Every trip, every time – safety belts save lives. Stay Alert! – Dedicate your full attention to the roadway. Www.saveMOlives.com Follow Signs! – They’ll guide you through work zones safely. Expect the Unexpected! – Watch for flaggers, workers and equipment. Be Patient! – Remember workers are improving the road for future travels. Don’t Speed!– Follow posted limits and adjust for weather conditions. Don’t Drink and Drive! – Impairment of any kind is unacceptable. Be Nice! – Merge as directed, don’t tailgate and don’t change lanes in a work zone. .