Area companies reap benefits of stimulus-funded road projects

Apex Paving Co. in Cape Girardeau has been awarded a second stimulus-funded project by the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission.

A crew of 11 will begin laying a 1-inch layer of asphalt on existing pavement of U.S. 62 from Bertrand, Mo., to Charleston, Mo., in June. The amount awarded on the project was $323,080.25.

The decision came at a recent meeting of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, when $87.1 million in work was awarded as part of 54 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects, including pavement and shoulder improvements on Highway 51 between Patton, Mo., and Interstate 55 in Perry County. The commission had previously awarded 37 other projects, bringing the number of recovery projects awarded in the state to 91.

"In just a few short months we have started work on 12 stimulus projects and completed one," said Missouri Department of Transportation director Pete Rahn in a written statement. "We're also on target to have half of our stimulus funding obligated by the required June 30 deadline. That shows how serious we are about putting this money to work fast to create jobs and improve our roads and bridges."

Benefiting pavers

The latest approved projects include construction of new interchanges, roadway resurfacing and shoulder and pavement improvements. MoDOT said the 91 projects will support 4,970 jobs.

Apex Paving Co. regional manager Glen Graham expects the work on U.S. 62 to take between four and five days.

The company was previously awarded a $18 million contract to put a 4-inch layer of asphalt on the exiting pavement of a 39-mile stretch of Interstate 55 in New Madrid and Pemiscot counties. That project is also expected to begin in June and will involve 15 of its employees along with some subcontracted workers.

Announced in mid-February after MoDOT learned it would be receiving some of the stimulus money, the move allowed the company to refrain from laying off 23 quarry workers and call back seven mechanics.

Apex Paving Co. regional manager Glen Graham said the move resurrected his company.

"Back in November when economy in dire condition, the outlook for construction industry -- including us -- wasn't good," Graham said. "But it's turned what could have been a dire year into a potential good year for us."

Bridge work

Penzel Construction Co. in Jackson was also awarded work during the commission's meeting. As part of MoDOT's Safe and Sound Bridge Improvement Program, aimed at improving the state's 802 lowest-rated bridges by 2014, crews from Penzel will work on four projects in the region. The projects include replacing bridge decks and asphalt.

Penzel Construction project manager Howard Hemmann said crews will work on one project on Route EE and two projects on Route W in New Madrid County as well as a project on Route B in Bollinger County.

Previous projects the company was awarded included routes AE and BB in Stoddard County and Route N in Perry County.

"It helps our business because the construction industry is not the best right now because of the economy," Hemmann said. "This extra work is certainly welcomed."

Mark Shelton, MoDOT region 10 district engineer, said such work is another way to give a boost to the state's economy.

"It's more jobs, smoother pavement and safer roadways," Shelton said. "These jobs may not be possible if it weren't for the economic and recovery act."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

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Pertinent addresses:

700 Woods Lane, Cape Girardeau, MO

325 W. Jackson Boulevard, Jackson, MO

2675 N. Main St., Sikeston, MO