Almost finished: Expansion of Highway 34/72 Jackson weeks away from completion

The third and final phase of the Missouri Department of Transportation project on Highway 34/72 in Jackson could be completed within several weeks.

The work of adding two more lanes and a raised median to the stretch of road running from Hope Street to the Highway 34/72 intersection began in 2003. The first two phases, which cost more than $14 million, were completed by fall 2007. Construction on the third phase, contracted for slightly more than $4.4 million, began in spring 2008.

Eric Krapf, MoDOT southeast region project manager, said the project was designed to ease traffic congestion on the road.

"It was just being overwhelmed by all the traffic," Krapf said.

The changes will also increase driver safety. The raised median limits where left-hand turns, which cause the majority of bad accidents, can be made, Krapf said. He cited MoDOT research that indicates traffic accidents are down by about 50 percent on the completed sections of Highway 34/72.

Although the last section of the expansion was expected to be finished by the end of last year, Krapf said progress was slowed by delays in moving utility lines, bad weather and delayed acquisitions of land from property owners. Krapf now estimates the completion to be within several weeks, depending on the weather.

Jackson public works director Rodney Bollinger said the previous phases of the widening have ensured a smooth, safe flow of traffic through Jackson and is necessary for ensuring the future growth of the city. Bollinger said the third phase of construction would also benefit Jackson residents.

"If phase three is anything like phases one and two, I think we've got a winner on our hands," he said.

Mayor Barbara Lohr said the delayed construction of the final section of road, though it's outside the city limits, has caused increased traffic and frustration.

But the completion of the expansion on the highly used road could also help bring customers to local stores, she said.

"Simply by making it more convenient and easier to get through, I believe that that's going to help our businesses," Lohr said.

astephens@semissourian.com

388-3654

Pertinent address:

Jackson, MO 63755