Signs of the times Workers erect signs that along U.S. 71 in preparation for I-49 designation

Workers from James H. Drew Corp.'s Sedalia, Mo., branch were at work at U.S. 71 and Highland on Tuesday, bringing with them some of the first signs to the area to mark the transformation of U.S. 71 to Interstate 49. At left, Jeremiah Casdorph works on a large sign. At right are some of the directional signs to be placed at other locations. Bob Edwards, Missouri Department of Transportation community relations, said the signs will be placed and covered or turned, or contain an empty area where a decal can later be applied, until the I-49 designation is approved by federal authorities, which MoDOT hopes will take place later this year. Edwards said that when that happens, signs will be turned, uncovered or decaled "quite quickly."