First phase of interchange work to begin in Poplar Bluff next week

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Work to construct ramps for the new Oak Grove Road interchange in Poplar Bluff is expected to begin May 24, weather permitting. During this phase of construction, portions of the road will be closed. The city also plans to begin work May 24, which will result in additional closures along Oak Grove Road.

The road is expected to reopen by mid-August. Although the ramps may not be open to traffic at this time, any remaining ramp work won't require the closure of Oak Grove Road. Once complete, the ramps will allow the area to function as an interchange with head-to-head traffic on the overpass bridge.

The second phase of the interchange project will include constructing an overpass bridge adjacent to the existing bridge. A contract for this phase is expected to be let in March 2013.

In addition to constructing an interchange to provide full access between Oak Grove Road and U.S. 67, MoDOT will complete geometric and traffic signal improvements at the intersection of Oak Grove Road and Westwood Boulevard.

The city's portion of the project will consist of adding lanes to Oak Grove Road between U.S. 67 and Westwood Boulevard.

For more information about MoDOT's portion of the project, contact area engineer Dave Wyman at 573-840-9297, resident engineer Audie Pulliam at 573-840-9781 or MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888275-6636.

For information about the city's portion of the project, contact Smith & Company project manager Dominic Thompson at 573-785-9621.