A project to expand U.S. Highway 36 into four lanes through all of northern Missouri is now 60 percent complete, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

MoDOT District Engineer Dan Niec said the entire corridor is anticipated to open to traffic by July 2010.

Contractors were able to reach the 60 percent benchmark by continuing construction over the winter, MoDOT said, meaning the project remains on track for an anticipated completion commitment date of December 2010. A section between Shelbina and Monroe City is expected to open to traffic by November.

The agency reached the halfway mark of building the last 52 miles of highway between Macon and Hannibal last fall, when a stretch between Monroe City and Hannibal was finished.

“When we began this project, we had planned to have all lanes open to traffic an entire year earlier than promised,” Mr. Niec said. “Unfortunately, last year’s construction season was extremely challenging due to unusually heavy rainfall and localized flooding. Even with the unexpected weather delays, we will complete the project six months earlier than promised.”

In Kansas, researchers plan to study the economic potential of a four-lane Highway 36 through that state. The Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University is expected to complete the $48,000 study by March.

MSBA BESTOWS HONOR

John Holcomb of Trenton was recently named winner of the first Paul Morris Community Service Award from the Missouri School Boards Association.

The honor was established by FutureBuilders, the MSBA’s education foundation, and is designed to recognize individuals who provide leadership to their communities through school board and community service. The award is named in honor of Paul Morris, a school board member from Mount Vernon who served as the organization’s president until his death in February.

Mr. Holcomb served a total of 14 years on the Trenton R-9 Board of Education and served on the MSBA Regional Leadership Committee and Board of Directors. He will receive a $1,000 individual award and an additional $1,000 award to be used by Trenton R-9 for scholarships.

BLOOD DRIVE SET

The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department and American Red Cross will hold their third annual blood drive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at the National Guard Armory, 1510 N. Washington St., Chillicothe, Mo. Call (800) 448-3543 to schedule an appointment.

Ray Scherer can be reached

at rscherer@npgco.com.