Highway commission awards contract for removal of Steele rest areas

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded a contract during its regular meeting Wednesday for removal of the existing rest areas on Interstate 55 near Steele, Mo. The $172,939 contract was awarded to Robertson Contractors Inc. of Poplar Bluff, Mo. The project includes removing the north- and southbound rest areas near Steele, converting both locations to truck parking. Weather permitting, work could begin as early as October. The project is expected to be completed in December. There will be minimal effects on traffic, as work will take place off the roadway. However, drivers are urged to use caution near the work area. The Missouri Department of Transportation will alert drivers before any change in traffic. For more information, contact resident engineer Brian Holt at 573-888-7035, district design engineer Barry Horst at 573-472-5289 or MoDOT's Customer Service Center at 888-275-6636.