Many road work projects planned in area

A number of road projects are in the works in the area, from discussion of upgrades to Route W to work on Interstate 55. Flooding and storm debris are also problems on some area roads.

Public meeting on Route W scheduled

The Missouri Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. May 19 at the Osage Community Centre, 1625 N. Kingshighway, to discuss the project to upgrade and widen Route W. The $2.2 million project, financed by federal stimulus funds, will include resurfacing, shoulder improvements, centerline and edge rumble strips, improved intersections and improved drainage. A culvert replacement at County Road 618 will close the road for about two weeks, as will extending a culvert at County Road 620. The meeting will be an open-house format with no formal presentation.

Lanes restricted for railroad track work

The Jackson intersection where U.S. 61 and Highways 34, 25 and 72 meet, also known as the intersection of Hope Street and Jackson Boulevard, will be reduced to one lane this weekend for repairs to the railroad tracks crossing the roadway, the Missouri Department of Transportation announced. Work will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday and be completed by 4 p.m. Sunday.

Several area roads closed due to flooding

Several Southeast Missouri roads are closed due to flooding on the Mississippi River, the Missouri Department of Transportation said Monday. The roads are Route E in Scott County from Route N to the end of state maintenance; Route E in Perry County; Highway 162 in New Madrid County from Route M to the Mississippi River; Highway 80 in Mississippi County from the Highway 77 junction to the Mississippi River and Highway 77 in Mississippi County from Route A to the Mississippi River and Dorena-Hickman Ferry.

Concrete repairs limit I-55's width all week

Northbound and southbound traffic on Interstate 55 between Fruitland and the Perry County line will be reduced to one lane with a 16-foot width restriction this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews make concrete repairs at several locations. The work began at 6:30 a.m. Monday and will continue until 5 p.m. Friday, MoDOT announced Monday.

Storm debris cleanup continues in region

Missouri Department of Transportation crews will clear storm debris from highway right-of-ways across Southeast Missouri in coming weeks, the department announced Monday. In Cape Girardeau County, crews will start on Route CC. The cleanup will be a continuously moving operation that will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily until complete. Motorists are asked to use caution and allow crews the space needed to properly clear fallen trees and limbs.

-- From staff reports