Today the Interstate Highway system grew by 180 miles, as U.S. 71 in Missouri is officially renumbered to I-49 between the Arkansas state line and Kansas City! Okay, U.S. 71 will still follow I-49 in Missouri. But when you have a huge chunk of new interstate open it’s exciting for a roadgeek! MoDOT has been working on upgrading the U.S. 71 4-lane to freeway status and all the hard work payed off today. Here is the video MoDOT put together revealing the new I-49!
MoDOT had put up I-49 signs along the U.S. 71 route but had them covered up until the ceremony today. Throughout the day MoDOT workers have uncovered the I-49 signs and are putting up new I-49 signs on the big green BGS signs. Here are some pictures I have found online showing the new I-49 signs and the workers putting them up. Also here are some links from the local TV stations covering this big event!
http://fourstateshomepage.com/fulltext?nxd_id=349422
http://www.koamtv.com/story/20330718/missouri-highway-71-is-now-interstate-49
Related articles
- Quicker and safer, Interstate 49 becomes official (kansascity.com)
- New Interstate 49 opens between Kansas City and Joplin (bizjournals.com)
Categories: Roadscapes Stuff
