Phase two of 34/72 project on schedule

Phase two of the Highway 34/72 project in Jackson is progressing well and should be completed late this summer, said Missouri Department of Transportation engineer Darius Dowdy.

"If the weather is hot and dry, it might go slower, it's tougher on the guys. Rain would also slow us down," Dowdy said. "They have 150 work days, and I don't see them having any problems finishing in the time they have left."

Currently, lanes are reduced to one lane in each direction as construction crews upgrade the highway to four lanes.

"I think it's going very well," Jackson city administrator Jim Roach said. "There doesn't seem to be too many traffic problems, and they seem to be right on schedule."

Phase two began in May 2006 after the Missouri Department of Transportation approved Penzel Construction's $7.9 million bid on the project. Phase two includes widening and resurfacing from one mile west of the Highway 25 intersection to 2.2 miles west of Highway 25. It also includes adding curbs, signals, gutters and storm sewers.

Sarah Cook, manager of Pioneer Market, which is in the middle of phase two on West Jackson Boulevard, said business has not been noticeably affected, aside from the occasional customer complaints.

"It has been confusing for our patrons sometimes, knowing where the entrance is," Cook said. "But the crews have been good about keeping traffic moving, and most of our regular customers still come in. I'm sure it's definitely deterred some people from coming in, but most of our regulars buy more so they don't have to come back as often."

Phase one of the three-mile upgrade was completed in 2006. Phase three is planned for 2008.

jsamons@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245