Public hearing on Blomeyer roundabout set for Thursday

An informal public hearing will be held between 4 and 7 p.m. Thursday at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. Maps of planned improvements to the highways 77 and 25 and future Route AB intersection at Blomeyer will be on display.

"The purpose of the meeting is to discuss some changes to the project and the time frame since the last time we asked for public input," said Andy Meyer, MoDOT project manager. "In late 2004, we met to discuss the intersection improvements and the extension of Route AB."

But Route AB was deferred to accommodate future development in the industrial park. The MoDOT project team has also made improvements to the design including construction of a roundabout at the intersection.

"Given the location of the intersection and the traffic volumes, we feel a roundabout will provide a better service," Meyer said. "Studies show roundabouts reduce accidents by 75 percent, and they are also more economical for both MoDOT and drivers."

According to MoDOT figures, when roundabouts take the place of traffic signals, taxpayers save an average of $5,000 a year in maintenance and electricity. Roundabouts may also save fuel because cars are not idling at red lights.

Meyer said anyone who attends the open house can ask questions or make suggestions on the road construction. For more information, contact Meyer at 573-472-5296.

The following MoDOT projects are scheduled, weather permitting. The work zone will be marked with signs. Drivers are urged to use caution while traveling near road work crews:

Cape Girardeau County

Northbound and southbound Interstate 55 will be reduced to one lane for a half-mile, starting at Route K (mile marker 97) and extending south. MoDOT crews will be making shoulder repairs starting at 7:30 a.m. today through 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Bollinger County

Highway 34, between Highway 51 and Route U, will be reduced to one lane while MoDOT crews trim brush along the roadway.

The work is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.

MoDOT crews will be cutting brush along Route B, between Route M and Highway 22. The road will be reduced to one lane from 7:30 a.m. today through 4 p.m. Thursday.

Call the Missouri Department of Transportation's Customer Service Center at 888-275-6636 for road project details.