CONTRACT AWARDED ON I-55 INTERCHANGE FOR CROSS-CITY ROAD

In October, motorists will be able to exit Interstate 55 directly onto Highway 74, a route that eventually will lead to the new Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge.

Construction will begin in two weeks on the interchange that will connect the interstate to the recently relocated Highway 74, said Henry Bangert, vice president of Millstone Bangert Inc.

Bangert's St. Louis-based construction company has been responsible for all of the paving work for the new Highway 74. Millstone Bangert was awarded the contract for the third and final phase of the interchange on March 6 by the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Millstone Bangert Inc. was the low bidder for the contract and will be paid $2,039,525 the concrete pavement of the new section of Route 74, in addition to interchange ramps, signing and lighting.

The interchange is expected to be completed in October, Bangert said.

The company was also responsible for the first phase of the interchange, which entailed the dirt work to prepare for the paving.

Work continues on phase two of the project, the overpass above I-55 by the Penzel Construction Co. and should be completed by May, said Bob Wilson, with the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Traffic on the west side of the bridge can enter I-55's southbound lane, while an I-55 northbound lane can be chosen on the east side of the bridge, he said.

Currently, Highway 74 runs west from Sprigg Street but stops at South Kingshighway.

Upon completion, motorists will be able to drive from South Sprigg straight to Interstate 55 or vice versa without changing roads. Until then, drivers are urged to follow all construction signs and use extreme caution when traveling through the construction zone.

The I-55 exits onto the new stretch of Highway 74 will be located on I-55 about a quarter-mile north of the 95 mile marker and a quarter-mile south of the Route K intersection.

There will be one initial intersection on the new stretch of Highway 74 between I-55 and South Kingshighway at Silver Springs Road. Others are planned at Siemers and Mt. Auburn Road.

The entire relocation of Highway 74 is to provide direct access to the new Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge and has been in the works for several years. Construction of the new river span began earlier this year and is expected to be completed in the year 2000. The last part of the project, removal of the existing river bridge, is scheduled for 2000 as well.

The bridge and highway will cost $85.7 million by the time it is finished.