Concrete work advances on Bowling Green roundabout at Route 161 and U.S. 61

Construction of a new roundabout at Business Route 61, Missouri Route 161 and Court Street in Bowling Green is advancing, with concrete pours underway to connect the approaches, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

MoDOT’s July 31 update described the roundabout as taking shape at the intersection in Pike County. The project is still under construction, with crews building the roadway connections that will form the new intersection design.

Access is changing during construction

The work affects how drivers move among Business Route 61, Missouri Route 161 and Court Street. Access and connections around the intersection are changing as the approaches are built, so motorists should be prepared for shifting traffic controls and possible delays near the work zone.

The construction is relevant to more than traffic passing directly through the intersection. Residents using the roads for daily trips, school traffic and commercial drivers may all encounter changing access while crews continue the work. People traveling through the area should follow posted signs and traffic controls and use caution around active construction.

Concrete pours are a current milestone in the project, but they do not mean the roundabout is open for normal operation. The approaches still have to be connected and additional construction work must continue before the intersection can be treated as a completed facility.

Weather may affect the schedule

MoDOT identifies the work as weather permitting. Rain and other conditions can affect when concrete and other portions of the project proceed, as well as the pace at which access arrangements change.

MoDOT’s project update does not publish a final completion date or a full current detour schedule. Drivers should therefore rely on posted traffic controls at the intersection and allow extra time for trips that use Business Route 61, Route 161 or Court Street.

The project’s location gives the work a broad local effect because the three roads meet at one Bowling Green intersection. Until construction advances further, the practical change for travelers is an active work zone with connections being built and access subject to change.

For now, the latest reported progress is that the roundabout is taking shape and concrete work is underway. Construction will continue as weather and site conditions allow.