MoDOT opens most roads for holiday travel

Stan Johnson, MoDOT area engineer from the state's Jackson office, said drivers will find a one-lane reduction to a Southeast Missouri highway between now and Dec. 26.

Northbound I-57, from mile marker 9 to mile marker 14, is limited to one lane. A bypass was constructed earlier this year to allow for repairs on southbound lanes, now complete.

"We are in the process of taking out a bypass on the northbound lanes, but like every other project, we are just waiting on the weather to cooperate," he said.

Route 72 bridge replacement public hearing

MoDOT will host a public hearing from 4 to 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Millersville Baptist Church, 531 Market St., Millersville. State officials want to get feedback on Route 72 bridge projects in Cape Girardeau, Bollinger and Madison counties. The main focus will be bypass options for construction and time frames.

Bids for work on Whitewater River Bridge and Byrd Creek Bridge in Cape County, and Little Whitewater River Bridge in Bollinger County are scheduled for fall of 2008. Construction is expected to begin in 2009.

The public hearing is an informal gathering.

For hearing details, call the Southeast District office in Sikeston at (573) 472-5290.

For general road construction information, call MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636).

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127