CONTRACT AWARDED FOR I-55 INTERCHANGE AT FRUITLAND

FRUITLAND -- Interstate 55 overpass bridges at the Fruitland interchange will be replaced in the first phase of highway improvements associated with the Procter & Gamble expansion.

A construction contract was awarded to Penzel Construction Company, Inc., of Jackson for $3,295,745, and includes replacement of both existing I-55 overpass bridges over Route 61.

Work is expected to begin in September.

The bridges must be replaced to make room for expanded driving lanes planned for Route 61 under the interstate. The new overpass structures also meet seismic standards.

While the overpasses are being replaced, traffic on I-55 will be reduced to one lane. The southbound improvements will take place first. Traffic will be diverted to the existing bridge in the northbound lanes. While work is done on the northbound lanes, traffic will be moved to the new southbound bridge.

"This three-phase project will ease the traffic flow associated with the Procter & Gamble expansion," said Bob Wilson, resident engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation. "We are proud to partner with them to benefit the entire Southeast Missouri region."

The second phase of the project will add a driving lane to Route 61 in both directions, expanding the road to five lanes from the northbound I-55 ramps to the intersection of Route 177. Also included is improvement of Route 61 to four lanes and two additional left-turn lanes at the I-55 overpass.

Several new traffic signals will be added at I-55 and Route 61 and on Route 61 at the 177 intersection and the Route W intersection. The Route 177 and Route W signals were recently added to the project.

"As a result of our public involvement program with people who live and work in the area, we conducted additional traffic research and have now included traffic signals at the intersection of Route W and Route 177 as part of the project," said Bill Robinson, MoDOT project manager.

Adding turn lanes on Route 177 at several side road intersections from Route 61 to Route J will make up the third phase.

Some of the construction projects are will take place simultaneously. The entire project is anticipated to be finished late next year.