Intersection closed for bridge work

~ Motorists in Jackson are not able to enter or exit Highway 34/72 from West Main Street.

A heavily traveled intersection in Jackson has been closed until late October as part of the Highway 34/72 widening project.

The intersection of Highway 34/72 and West Main Street was closed Tuesday so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can tear out and replace a bridge to make room for additional traffic lanes, said Kevin Plott, MoDOT senior construction inspector.

All Highway 34/72 traffic is being diverted around the construction onto a bypass in front of the old Jackson Skate Center. Motorists are not able to enter or exit Highway 34/72 from West Main Street. Plott said motorists can use alternate routes such as Farmington Road or East Lane to avoid traffic congestion.

About 10,800 vehicles per day travel on Highway 34/72, and about 3,400 motorists travel through the intersection at West Main Street.

Jackson public works director Rodney Bollinger said nearby neighborhoods shouldn't be affected by the intersection closure.

"I think there will be a little detour traffic that people see. Maybe on East Lane and Oak Street, but it won't be too terribly busy for them," Bollinger said.

Crews are in the process of constructing phase two of the three-phase project. Phase two includes widening and resurfacing from one mile west of the Highway 25 intersection to 2.2 miles west of Highway 25. It also includes adding signals, curb, gutter and storm sewers.

In April, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded a contract of more than $7.9 million to Penzel Construction Co. of Jackson for phase two.

Plott said the project will be complete by late spring or early summer.

Phase one of the three-mile upgrade project was completed earlier this year. Phase three, which is 1.5 miles east of the Highway 34/72 intersection, is planned for mid-2007.

jfreeze@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 246