Bids for Scott City turn lane begin in March

Come March, long-anticipated plans of adding a center turn lane to Main Street in Scott City will become reality.

David Wyman, an engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation, said the engineering plans are under final review. After a bidding process, he said they will be available for the winning contractor to begin construction.

"In March, we will open up the bidding ... and then the first week of April, the commission announces which bid they are receiving," Wyman said.

The project consists of expanding Main Street from Crites Street near Burger King to Chester Avenue. The shoulders will be minimized to add the turn lane, and driveways will be reconstructed to reduce pooling water that runs into the gutters.

Wyman said the longest part of the process is waiting for the base material and then the asphalt to set, which could take several weeks.

"There may be times when half a driveway is shut down and vehicles have to go to the next block or take an alternative route," Wyman said. "We will always have some of the lanes open, and traffic control may be difficult around times of morning congestion, but we'll work around that. We understand that it will be an inconvenience, and drivers may have to leave a bit early to get where they are going."

Most of the driveways being affected are commercial businesses, and Wyman said rerouting will occur to ensure the businesses remain accessible.

For this project, Scott City is supplying funding for MoDOT engineers to complete preliminary design work and inspection during construction.

At a city council meeting this month, the city approved about $270,000 for MoDOT's assistance in the project. Other money will come from transportation funding.

"Funding is currently a big issue, and this project is a good example of local needs being addressed and forming a good partnership to get a good project done, but actually being funded by the city is what makes this unique," Wyman said.

By paying for the project, Scott City will be taking ownership of Main Street and will be responsible for its upkeep.

Over the past 12 months, MoDOT has worked with the city on a variety of projects, such as adding a concrete island on East Outer Road near the northbound Interstate 55 ramp.

smaue@semissourian.com

388-3644

Pertinent address:

Main St., Scott City