MARYVILLE, Mo. – Motorists on southbound U.S. Route 71 will want to use extra caution beginning this week.

Construction of a new ramp from 285th Street to southbound U.S. Route 71 will mean drivers will now be merging differently than they have done in the past.

Right now, traffic from Route V/Business U.S. 71 uses an outer ramp and flows directly into the right-hand or driving lane of southbound U.S. Route 71. Southbound through traffic uses the passing or left-hand lane, making merging unnecessary.

Beginning Monday, May 1, crews will begin work on the right shoulder of the ramp and onto a portion of U.S. Route 71. This work will move drivers on that outer ramp towards the left side of the ramp, putting them into the passing lane when they join U.S. Route 71, causing a merge point that previously did not exist.

Signs will be posted for motorists on both the outer ramp and the through lanes, warning them of the upcoming merge. All motorists are urged to use caution and politely allow traffic ample room to merge.

This work and traffic change is scheduled to be in place for approximately two months. All work weather dependent and schedules could change.

Work will also be done this week on the intersection of Business U.S. 71 (Main Street) and Route 46 (1st Street) in Maryville. To minimize the inconvenience to motorists, signal crews are planning to work on the signals during the night this week.

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 3, signal crews will work on the in-pavement detection system at the intersection. They plan to do all work between 2 and 4 a.m. There will be intermittent 15-minute closures during that time.

MoDOT encourages all motorists to slow down, buckle up, eliminate distractions and drive safely to ensure everyone is able to Arrive Alive.

For more information call 1-888-ASK-MODOT or visit www.modot.org/northwest.