NASH ROAD EXTENSION FORCES REROUTING OF TRAFFIC

Traffic along a stretch of Route AB will be re-routed for several months while the roadway is widened and reconstructed.

A half-mile stretch of road will be widened three lanes and resurfaced, with curbing and storm sewers added, said John Nordin, a highway designer with the Missouri Department of Highways and Transportation's district office in Sikeston.

"It shouldn't really cause an inconvenience," Nordin said, adding entranceways have been set up for businesses in the area.

The work, which started Tuesday, is the latest phase of the project to extend Route AB from Nash Road to the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority in Scott City.

The four-mile extension will give trucks a direct route to the port from Interstate 55.

"Everything's on schedule," Nordin said. "It should be completed by the fall of 1997."

Contractors have already completed grading the stretch of road from Ramsey Creek to the port's railroad spur, he said.

And work is under way now on construction of a bridge over Ramsey Creek and another bridge over the railroad tracks, Nordin said.

"It won't be long and people will be able to drive along the thing," he said. "I think it will probably be a great thing for the folks in Scott City."

Dan Overbey, executive director of the port authority, is keeping a close eye on the project.

"Of course, it's of tremendous interest to us," Overbey said, adding that businesses in the area will also benefit from the improved route.

The state is scheduled to let bids for paving the new roadway in December.

"Really, all that's left once this series of work is done is the paving all the way through," he said, adding port officials are "very eager" to see the project completed.

The project has long been viewed as key to ensuring continued growth at the port authority.

Last year, the port's rail spur was dedicated as another avenue for industry to access the port. A third of the port's 500 acres are developed.