Hwy 13 on-ramp nearing completion

An on-ramp from Missouri Highway 224 to Highway 13 in Lexington is nearly complete after two weeks of construction. Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) awarded the bid for the project to APAC-Missouri of Kansas City earlier this year and construction began on June 18.

The ramp was originally slated for construction when MoDOT made plans for changes and additions to Highway 13 a few years ago. According to MoDOT Kansas City Area Engineer Mike McGrath, in the planning and bidding phase, the on-ramp was left out of the plans after some alterations were made.

Although the on-ramp was not in the construction plan, the dirt work and an approach from Highway 224 were completed while the other Highway 13 projects were constructed.

Following discussions with local officials, MoDOT decided to open the ramp project for bidding.

"We knew it was a big need, and it was something they thought they would get," McGrath said.

Lafayette County Presiding Commissioner Harold Hoflander said he and the other commissioners are pleased to see the project moving forward.

"It's going to be so much better having the on-ramp," Hoflander said. "It will be more convenient for local travelers and to those who are not familiar with the area."

The on-ramp, which is being built for approximately $225,000, will be completed by mid-July. McGrath said the paving will be finished this week, with the marking and signage to follow.

Contact Nathan St. Clair at

concordianreporter@centurytel.net