OUTGROWING THE ROAD: A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE LOCAL HIGHWAY

SCOTT CITY -- A 15-mile stretch of interstate that Southeast Missouri motorists once praised for providing a route between the rural and urban areas of the state now tops their list of driving complaints.

Motorists who regularly drive Interstate 55 know the segment from Fruitland to Scott City is not adequate for the amount of traffic that travels on it each day. But it was likely suited to the traffic flow when the roadbed was built in 1963.

The 15-mile section of interstate was the first section to be paved in Southeast Missouri. It was also the first section to open in the region.

In 1950s, when the interstate system began, the only way to get a four-lane road was through a toll system. Once Al Spradling II, then a senator, learned about the highway system, he abandoned the idea of toll roads and pushed for an interstate in Southeast Missouri.

People were fascinated by the idea of a roadway connecting all of Southeast Missouri, much like the roads connected the St. Louis area, according to archive records at the Southeast Missourian.

Once right-of-way for the interstate was acquired, the work began. The first contract for pavement was issued in 1961 and the first section of highway opened in 1963.

Today that section of highway -- a 15-mile stretch from Fruitland to Scott City -- is among the chief complaints of area motorists. The road doesn't have enough lanes to accommodate motorists, there are traffic back-ups from the interchange at Scott City and the northbound acceleration lane at Nash Road isn't long enough.

The Missouri Department of Transportation knows there is a problem. Finding a solution means putting together a list of possibilities and putting a priority on each project.

While there haven't been any public meetings talking about the Scott City interchange or adding lanes to the interstate, MoDOT has been thinking ahead, said Angie Wilson, public affairs manager for MoDOT in Sikeston.

The District 10 office is working with staff in Jefferson City to complete a study showing the need for additional lanes on I-55 between Fruitland and Scott City. The study is just the first step in the process, Wilson said.

Staff from the Bootheel Regional Planning office and SEMO Regional Planning office often help the highway department when looking at future needs and projects.

The regional planning offices "set priorities for the projects they would like to see done" and know are needed, Wilson said.