Diversion Channel bridge lane opening

Frustrated commuters driving Interstate 55 south of Cape Girardeau should see the first signs of relief on the Diversion Channel bridge in over two years. However, the project's completion isn't scheduled until early June.

On Thursday, the Missouri Department of Transportation announced that both northbound and southbound I-55 in northern Scott and southern Cape Girar-deau counties should be reset to two lanes by this afternoon. Jackson contractor Penzel Construction expects to have two-lane traffic open on the northbound lane by 1 p.m. That will eliminate the diversion of north-faring traffic into the southbound lanes.

Resident engineer Bob Wilson warned that there may be intermittent lane closures after Memorial Day as Penzel finishes up some minor adjustments. MoDOT workers will do some repairs before the concrete barrier is removed on the southbound lane.