HANNIBAL, MO – Plans are underway for a new US 61 outer road connecting Troy and Moscow Mills. Construction is slated to begin later this summer.  A new outer road will be located on the west side of U.S. Route 61 between South Lincoln Drive and Route C in Lincoln County creating a direct connection between the Cities of Troy and Moscow Mills.  A public meeting is being held Wednesday, June 22 from 5 – 6 p.m. at the Lincoln County Economic Development Center, 251 West Collier, Troy.

“This project will have a positive impact on both public safety and local economy,” said Lincoln County Economic Development Director Julie Rodgers. “The new outer road will divert local traffic from an already busy U.S. 61 and provide retail, commercial, industrial, and residential property opportunities in this area,” she added.

The estimated cost of the project is 3.9 million dollars.

“We are very pleased we are able to bring Lincoln County, Troy, and Moscow Mills together to connect the two cities for future business and economic growth,” said Lincoln County Presiding Commissioner Joe Kaimann.

The project is funded with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) 50/50 Match Grant. With a 50/50 grant, Lincoln County, City of Moscow Mills and City of Troy equally share 50% of the project cost. Lincoln County also applied for a low-interest Missouri Transportation Finance Corporation (MTFC) Loan to fund the local 50% portion of the project. If funded, City of Moscow Mills and City of Troy will pay their equal third back to the county over 10 years. “The 50/50 MoDOT grant was too great of an opportunity for us to pass up,” stated Troy Mayor Ron Sconce.

Planning for this project started Fall 2019 with meetings among property owners, Lincoln County, and the two cities. Moscow Mills Mayor Patrick Flannigan shared he was “ecstatic” the project is finally moving forward.

A committee consisting of a representative from each local government reviewed seven engineering proposals.  Using a process of scoring and interviews, this committee chose Bartlett & West to engineer the project.

Updates will be posted on the MoDOT, Lincoln County Highway Department and Lincoln County Economic Development Facebook pages or can be received by subscribing to MoDOT’s e-update service.  Since MoDOT will be assisting in keeping area residents abreast of the project, those interested in receiving email updates can also subscribe to their e-update service at modot.org under the Travelers tab.