ON TRACK: RAIL SPUR PROGRESSES AT PORT SITE

SCOTT CITY - Work is progressing on the construction of a railroad spur into the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority, and completion of the project could come by early next summer.

Jim Lawson of the Jackson engineering firm of Bowen and Lawson, hired by the Port's board of commissioners to design and monitor construction of the railroad, told the board this week that a lot of dirt has been moved but this first phase probably will not be completed until next spring.

The first phase involves the re-location of utilities, leveling and clearing land where the rail will go, and finalizing work on drainage, revetments and culverts.

The second phase will include the actual laying of rail and ties, and putting in rock along the railroad bed.

CWR Construction Co. of Little Rock, Ark., is doing the first phase of the $2 million project. The rail spur will extend about 7,200 feet.

Lawson indicated that it might be May before bids could be let on the second phase. But he said final planning and design for that phase could be finished by December.

Port Executive Director Allan Maki said he believes the next phase might be bid early next year and said it might be possible to start laying rail before the initial phase is completely finished.

Lawson advised the board that it should be in a position to make a decision on when to advertise for bids by Dec. 1.

Excess dirt along the rail site is being moved to some of the potential industrial development sites near the dock and harbor.

Construction of the rail spur will complete the first phase of development at the SEMO Port Authority. The first phase also includes a water system, access road, public dock, and harbor.