Mt. Vernon is on its way to growth and prosperity, especially with the new Interstate 44/Highway 39 interchange. State officials said during the interchange's ribbon cutting on December 7, that the new interchange will be the "front door" to Mt. Vernon and be a welcome sight for industries.
Becky Baltz, MoDOT Southwest District District Engineer, said the interchange project began three years ago as MoDOT officials started discussing the plans with the public. The groundbreaking was held in December 2008, and the project was completed on November 25.
Baltz said the interchange improves the safety of travelers and provides better traffic flow. “Man, what a great improvement it is,” she said.
The project -- including a bridge with five lanes, traffic signals, reconstruction to ramps, lighting and outer roadway improvements – cost $10.6 million for the interchange and the outer road improvements.
Baltz said the contractor was APAC Missouri, which completed the project on time and under budget. The project is just part of recent MoDOT projects completed in the Mt. Vernon area. The highway agency also spent $538,000 on the turning lane project on Highway 39 business loop and $11.5 million on I-44 resurfacing from the Stotts City to Halltown.
At the ribbon cutting, Mt. Vernon Mayor David Eden said Mt. Vernon had the reputation of “no change at any cost,” but that attitude is no longer. Eden said this project and other improvements in the community show Mt. Vernon is ready for change and growth.
Eden said the interchange is the “front door” to the community and “will be a catalyst for growth.”
Sen. Jack Goodman said during his speech at the ceremony that the community can take advantage of the interchange by attracting industry and jobs to Mt. Vernon. The community’s location on I-44 will allow it to grow and be a thriving city.
Goodman said the project also is a good example of governmental agencies working together for one common goal, including the people. Congressman Roy Blunt earmarked $4 million to the project and several state agencies worked together with the local government. He said the residents were responsive and embracing of the project, which allowed it to be completed on time and smoothly.
