A stretch of U.S. 63 in northern Texas County – from Licking to Highway K – is slated to receive a new asphalt overlay beginning Aug. 13.
Ozark Asphalt Co. of West Plains is slated to complete the more than $1.26 million project.
Weather permitting; work will occur 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily with completion expected by the end of August.
According to MoDOT Resident Engineer Phill Knott, the project includes paving the shoulders to widen the traveling surface.
“This will provide enough width to stripe the road for passing and climbing lanes,” he explained. “This configuration has been in place for several months now between the communities of Houston and Licking. Once complete, traffic will flow in the same way through the section north of Licking.”
He said benefits include safer opportunities for motorists to pass other vehicles. In addition, the new asphalt surface will provide an improved driving surface. Rumble stripes also will be added to the project.
“The rumble stripes help alert motorists they are leaving the travel lane,” Knott said. “This can help prevent head-on accidents or accidents resulting from leaving the roadway.”
Motorists can expect minimal delays due to a one-lane restriction in the area of the work. Work zone signage will be in place to warn motorists they are about to approach a moving operation. Drivers are encouraged to exercise caution and pay attention for workers on and near the roadway.