BYPASS PLANNED ON SCOTT COUNTY ROAD

SIKESTON -- Motorists traveling along Route HH north of Sikeston will experience a temporary bypass at the St. John's Ditch bridge beginning Thursday.

The bypass will allow a contractor to remove the bridge and complete construction of a large box culvert. A portion of the culvert has been completed, and motorists using the bypass will be driving on the new structure, Missouri Department of Transportation officials said.

The improvements are in preparation for a new northern interchange at Interstate 55 in Sikeston. Construction of the interchange is expected to reduce traffic congestion on Malone Avenue while improving access to the area north of Sikeston and Miner.