HANNIBAL, Mo. (AP) The Missouri Department of Transportation continues moving forward with plans for a four-lane expressway bypass of the town of Hannibal.
MoDOT said design teams will probably start working this fall on possible routes. The 10-mi. (16 km) expressway would link U.S. 24/36 to U.S. 61 west of Hannibal.
Some concerns have been raised over proposed routes. Advocates say the bypass would reduce congestion and improve safety in the northeast Missouri town, where U.S. 61 carries nearly 40,000 vehicles a day.
The project would cost an estimated $40 to $60 million. The construction is being called a priority, but as of yet there’s no funding in place.
Hannibal, Mark Twain’s hometown, draws about a half-million visitors annually.
