This week, weather permitting, MoDOT’s contractor, Progressive Contractors, Inc. will pave the new U.S. 36 westbound lanes at several county and state route approaches from two miles east of Lakenan west to Shelbina. During good weather, the contractor plans to work 24 hours a day on paving operations.

Beginning today, Shelby County Road 486 near the Salt River Bridge east of Lakenan will temporarily close at the junction of U.S. 36 and will reopen to traffic in approximately seven working days to allow ample curing time for the concrete. On Thursday,
Birch Street at Hunnewell will be temporarily closed to traffic and could remain closed for approximately two weeks, depending on weather, to remove and rebuild the existing roadway approach. Motorists should use alternate routes or existing road systems in the area during this time; please allow extra time to your destination.

Message boards are being placed to alert motorists of the closures. During paving operations, construction equipment will be entering and exiting the work zone, motorists are urged to use caution and obey all road construction signs and reduced speed limits.