MoDOT plans to resurface part of U.S. 61 in Scott Co.

In one of its latest rounds of road projects, the Missouri Department of Transportation has announced it will resurface 12.6 miles of U.S. 61 from Scott City to Highway 77 at Morley.

The project is one of many MoDOT has scheduled for Southeast Missouri, and is designed to maintain existing roadways in need of resurfacing.

"We periodically do this resurfacing based on the condition of the roads," said MoDOT engineer Scott Meyer. "We compare them to other roads and decide based on that to get the most life out of the road."

Apex Paving Co. of Cape Girardeau was awarded a contract for more than $1 million to do the resurfacing of U.S. 61 and others in Scott, New Madrid and Mississippi counties.

Work is expected to begin this summer and finish some time in the fall. Meyer said MoDOT got a better price by awarding the bids now instead of waiting.

"We may be holding off a few months before construction actually begins, but awarding the contract this winter uses taxpayer dollars more wisely," said Meyer.

This stretch of U.S. 61 carries anywhere between 2,500 and 3,700 cars each day. During the resurfacing, motorists can expect some delays, as the road will be closed down to one lane only.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182