Public comment on Route W bridge ends June 19

SIKESTON -- Public comments on plans to replace the Route W bridge ends on June 19.

The Route W bridge, located between Oran and Perkins, takes drivers over Ditch 35. It was severely damaged by March flooding and has been closed since that time.

Andy Meyer, MoDOT project manager, said it's vital that drivers respect the closure signs, because the bridge is dangerous.

Meyer says an emergency contract for the bridge replacement is planned for this month. A contract could be awarded as early as July, if approved by the transportation commission. The new bridge would be a single-span structure that eliminates spots where drift can get caught, reducing the chance of similar damage happening during future floods.

Meyer said if work starts next month it will be done before the end of August.

For more information, contact Meyer at (573) 472-5296 or call MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636).

In other MoDOT news, striping improvements are planned for Scott and Stoddard counties

MoDOT crews will be working throughout Scott and Stoddard Counties over the next several weeks to restripe state roadways to improve visibility for motorists along the routes.

Weather permitting, crews will be working two 11-hour shifts daily (Monday through Thursday) over the course of the next several weeks to ensure the striping is repainted throughout the two counties.

"Our striping caravan is a continuously moving operation," said Mike Helpingstine, MoDOT maintenance engineer. "We urge motorists to use extreme caution and allow the machinery the space needed to properly apply the reflective paint."

Drivers are advised to stay back 500 feet and follow all safety signage found as part of the moving caravan of paint application equipment.

"For the safety of area motorists and our MoDOT crews, motorists should not pass any of the equipment while it is operational," Helpingstine said.

For additional information, contact the Missouri Department of Transportation's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636).