One lane of US 63 closed near Boone/Callaway County line

The Missouri Department of Transportation has closed one northbound lane of U.S 63 north of the Boone/Callaway County line due to a rock slide at that location.

MoDOT officials said they learned about the rock slide Thursday night and worked quickly to close one lane of Route 63 as a precaution to ensure the safety of motorists in the area.

MoDOT plans to bid a contract to fix the problem on Monday morning, with actual work beginning as early as Tuesday. The work will involve stabilizing the face of the rock bluff and removing loose rock. The lane closure on Route 63 is expected to remain in place for about 10 days. Route 63 will then be closed periodically throughout the duration of the project, which should be completed in early May.

"We are working as quickly as we can to fix the problem," said MoDOT Central District Engineer David Silvester. "Our primary concern is always for the traveling public, and we are taking every precaution to ensure conditions in the area of the rock slide remain safe for travel."

MoDOT will post message boards and warning lights and signs on Route 63 to inform motorists of the lane closure. Drivers should be prepared for minor delays in the work zone.

For more information, call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or see www.modot.org/central.