Ramsey Creek bridge to be closed next week

Replacement of the U.S. 61 bridge over Ramsey Creek in Cape Girardeau County will begin Tuesday, weather permitting. Five 130-foot bridge beams will be transported to the construction site on southbound Kingshighway from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. that day. During construction, southbound U.S. 61/Kingshighway will remain closed from South Silver Springs Road to Highway 74 West. Completion is anticipated in late June. "The bridge beams will actually arrive at the southbound Fruitland rest area on April 25," said southeast regional field engineer Andy Meyer. "The rest area will be closed to traffic from noon on April 25 and will reopen at noon on April 26." The closure is necessary because of the length and number of beams that will be transported. The Missouri State Highway Patrol will be escorting the beams to the construction site. Signs and warning devices will be in place for the duration of the closure. For more information, contact Meyer at 573-472-5296, assistant resident engineer David Wyman at 573-840-9781 or 888-275-6636, or visit www.modot.org/southeast/safeandsound.htm.