U.S. 412 paving contract awarded

KENNETT -- The upgrading of U.S. 412 in Dunklin and Pemiscot counties into a modern four-lane highway has moved another step forward.

A contract has been awarded by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for Phase 5 of the roadway improvement project. The project is for the paving of an 8-mile section of roadway.

The $15,259,198 contract was awarded to Chester Bross Construction Co.-C.B. Equipment Inc. of Hannibal, Mo.

This phase of construction marks the first paving work to be done on the future four-lane highway, according to Brian Holt, resident engineer for Missouri Department of Transportation.

The paving will begin approximately one-half mile west of Pemiscot County Road 287 and continue westward to more than 2 miles west of Route P.

The first part of the project includes paving of what will be the future westbound lane. Construction is expected to begin in March and is expected to be completed in summer 2003.

"The Route 412 upgrade is a large project, but so far everything is moving along smoothly," Holt said.

The first two phases and the first part of Phase 3 of the improvement project have been completed.