U.S. 71/I-49 Projects Being Dedicated Dec. 19

Bates, Vernon, Barton Counties -- New U.S. 71 interchanges, overpasses and outer roads built in 2011 will be dedicated in a series of ribbon-cuttings Monday, Dec. 19, in Bates, Vernon and Barton counties, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

The projects completed this year are another step toward upgrading U.S. 71 to become Interstate 49 by the end of 2012.

Five interchanges, two overpasses and several outer roads were built in 2011 for a total cost of $21.3 million.

Two more interchanges, two more overpasses and one more outer road are scheduled for construction in 2012. The work in 2012 will complete the U.S. 71 upgrade between Kansas City and Pineville near the Missouri-Arkansas state line.

Also in 2012, a corridor-long project is scheduled to install I-49-related signs.

MoDOT is working with the Federal Highway Administration for final approval of the I-49 designation by December 2012.

Work completed in Bates County in 2011:
-- New interchange and outer road north of Adrian. Cost: $3.8 million. Prime contractor: APAC-Missouri, Columbia

Local and state officials will join MoDOT staff at the new AA/E overpass north of Adrian Dec. 19 at 10 a.m.  The dedication will take place along U.S. 71 on the west outer road south of interchange. The public is invited to attend.