MoDOT building new Barrel Bob

With no credible leads as to where he may have been taken, Missouri Department of Transportation officials said Friday they are in the process of building a new Barrel Bob that will go in the area near the Lafayette Interchange construction site.

"While we've received a lot of concerned comments and some tips on where he might be, we've had no solid leads on his whereabouts since he went missing," said MoDOT spokesperson Sally Oxenhandler. "This is Bob's busy season, and National Work Zone Awareness Week is just around the corner. While we know we'll never be able to replace the old Barrel Bob, we felt it was time to start working on a replacement."

Sometime between Saturday night, March 18, and Sunday morning, March 19, the MoDOT character went missing.

Bob had been sitting near the Lafayette Street Interchange project, usually in the 1500 block of U.S. 50/63, to remind motorists to drive carefully in the area while construction crews are present.

Although they are building a new Barrel Bob, MoDOT is still asking the public to help in trying to find the old Bob and those responsible for his disappearance.

Those with information can call MoDOT at 751-3322 or the Jefferson City Police Department at 634-6400.