I-55's northbound lanes to open soon

This summer's drought created more construction days than anticipated, leading to what the Missouri Department of Transportation hopes is the resumption of four lanes of traffic sometime late today in the East Main Street/LaSalle Avenue interchange construction area on Interstate 55.

The resumption of four lanes of traffic today isn't guaranteed, said MoDOT resident engineer Darius Dowdy, but depends on temperatures reaching high enough levels for striping to take place. If that happens, Dowdy said Thursday, "we're hoping that everything gets done by tomorrow evening."

Two lanes are already open on the southbound side. Today may see the resumption of two-lane traffic on the northbound side.

According to original plans, Dowdy said, this step in the interchange construction would have come early next summer. But an unusually large number of working days caused by the summer drought, combined with an intense work schedule by the project contractor, expedited progress. The contractor "has come in like gangbusters," Dowdy said.

The speed limit on the northbound side will return to 70 mph except when reduced speed or lane reductions are necessary to accommodate construction work.

Dowdy said the resumption of two lanes of traffic doesn't mark the completion of the project. Much work, including putting up signs and lights and striping the interstate and exit ramps, still needs to be done before the project can be considered complete.

If weather conditions are absolutely ideal -- dry with warm temperatures -- Dowdy said the project could be complete by the end of the year. But he stressed that scenario is only under optimal conditions.

"There's still a chance of opening up by the end of the year, but that's going to be tough," Dowdy said.

Jackson is waiting for the completion so that its drivers can begin using East Main Street in the project area. The city's road construction is already complete.

Ken Eftink, director of development services for Cape Girardeau, said the city is continuing to negotiate with property owners to acquire the land needed to construct LaSalle Avenue. Eftink said that process will probably be complete in late winter or early spring. Plans for road construction are almost complete, and at that point the city will be ready to bid out construction.

A dedication ceremony for the new interchange is scheduled for 11 a.m. Dec. 17.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182