POPLAR BLUFF CONTRACTOR EARNS LEXINGTON CONTRACT CONNECTION

The Missouri Highway Commission on Friday awarded a $1.29 million contract to Robertson Contractors, Inc. of Poplar Bluff for a new connection from the Route 61 intersection with Mt. Auburn to the Lexington intersection with Route W.

A spokesman for the Missouri Highway and Transportation Department's District 10 office in Sikeston, said work should begin within 30 days.

The project includes construction of a realigned and signalized intersection, and a five-lane bridge over Cape LaCroix Creek. Traffic will be handled over existing roads and a temporary bypass on Route W.

The project is the last major highway construction work funded in Southeast Missouri through the end of the year. Because the national highway funding bill expired Sept. 30, and has not been renewed by the Congress, the highway commission canceled plans to open bids on other highway projects through the end of the year.

The project is a cooperative effort of the Highway and Transportation Department and the city of Cape Girardeau. Funding for the project, which is administered by the department, is from the city's federal aid urban funds and from state funds.