Bainbridge Road project in Jackson near completion

After a delay, completion of Jackson's Bainbridge Road widening and culvert improvement project has been set for this week.

Improvements include replacing a narrow culvert under the road and restoring the width of the roadway to accommodate two-way traffic flow. Road closures for the project began May 14, and work was anticipated to last through July. Jackson Public Works director Rodney Bollinger said Lappe Cement Finishing, the Perryville, Mo., contractor working on the project, now hopes to have the project completed by Thursday, when Jackson schools will begin classes.

"We had a couple of issues with the contractor that needed to be worked out, so we had to pull back the work somewhat for a little bit. But everything is back on track now," Bollinger said. "We plan to pave the area early in the week and have it opened up by the time school buses drive through."

Bainbridge Road between South Oak Hill Road and South Old Orchard Road is currently closed to all but local traffic. Through traffic is being detoured around the construction site on South Oak Hill Road, East Main Street and South Old Orchard Road. Jackson School District superintendent Dr. Ron Anderson said that, even if work isn't completed by the first day of school, the detour will not present any major issues for buses.

"We'll follow the same procedures we did earlier in the year as far as getting the school bus routes," Anderson said. "We'll be able to follow the detour route and still get the students where they need to be without problems. Any bus delay would be nominal."

The construction is part of the first phase of the Veterans Memorial Drive project, which aims to improve the outer road system that runs between Cape Girardeau and Jackson. The work is being funded with a mix of state, federal and local dollars.

jsamons@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Bainbridge Road at South Oak Hill Road, Jackson, MO