Preparations for the asphalt overlay of U.S. 63 near Licking will begin Friday, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.
The section of roadway from Highway 32 in Licking to just south of Highway K will be milled to get it ready for the start of asphalt work, slated for Monday. Work will occur from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day with completion expected by the end of August.
MoDOT has contracted with Ozark Asphalt Company of West Plains, for the project. The total project cost is $1,262,139.
According to MoDOT Resident Engineer Phill Knott, the project includes paving the shoulders to widen the traveling surface. The purpose for widening is to allow enough width to stripe the road for passing and climbing lanes.
“This configuration has been in place for several months now between the communities of Houston and Licking,” Knott explained. “Once complete, traffic will flow in the same way through the section north of Licking.”
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. This feature is designed to help alert motorists if they should leave the travel lane, reducing head-on or run-off accidents.