Portion of Icon Road to close through June for road, Agricultural Learning Center construction

The Agricultural Learning Center at Northwest's R.T. Wright Farm is expected to open in July. The 29,000-square-foot multipurpose facility features laboratory, kitchen and exposition space as well as classrooms and offices to help the School of Agricultural Sciences meet the needs of enrollment and program growth. (Photo by Brandon Bland/Northwest Missouri State University)

With construction of the Agricultural Learning Center at Northwest Missouri State University’s R.T. Wright Farm nearing completion, roadwork is beginning on a turn lane at Highway 71 and Icon Road.

Northwest has contracted with MegaKC to construct the turn lane just west of the Agricultural Learning Center, and Icon Road is scheduled to close Monday, March 29, through the month of June. The project includes the placement of traffic lights east and west of Icon Road on Highway 71, allowing for alternating one-way traffic.

During the construction period, a temporary signal will direct traffic through the work zone. Motorists traveling on Highway 71 should expect delays and are encouraged to seek an alternate route when traveling north or south. Drivers should stay alert and obey all traffic signs, barricades and flaggers to safely navigate through the work zone.

Construction on the $11.4 million Agricultural Learning Center, a linchpin addition to the University’s R.T. Wright Farm, is expected to open in July. When finished, the 29,000-square-foot multipurpose facility will enhance the School of Agricultural Sciences and its curriculum by providing laboratory, kitchen and exposition space as well as classrooms and offices while helping the School meet the needs of enrollment and program growth.

The facility also will allow for research and scholarly activities centered on crop, soil and livestock resources as well as space for processing agricultural products. It will include space for public and private functions such as producer and agricultural industry meetings, workshops, shows and career development events. It will serve as a resource that enables innovation and partnerships while addressing best practices for the Northwest campus and agricultural sciences.

More than $6.5 million has been raised for the Agricultural Learning Center with leading support provided by nearly 50 public and private donors who have joined the University’s Homesteaders society by providing gifts toward the project of $25,000 or greater.

For more information about the Agricultural Learning Center, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/ag/agcenter.