Residents invited to comment on proposed bridge projects

The Missouri Department of Transportation has announced an opportunity to request a public hearing about bridge improvements in Cape Girardeau County.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission is planning to replace the bridge on U.S. 61 over Hughes Creek, approximately 2 miles north of Route CC in Cape Girardeau County. The project involves removing and replacing the existing bridge, grading of a new roadway, pavement and adding a new guardrail.

Construction is expected to begin in summer 2015, according to a news release.

The area near the bridge on U.S. 61 will be closed to traffic for about three months as work is underway. The news release says property owners near the bridge will continue to have access to their properties and a marked detour will be provided during construction.

The proposed detour is as follows:

* From the north, U.S. 61 south to Route KK, west on Route KK to Interstate 55, south on I-55 to Route E, then east on Route E to U.S. 61.

* From the south, U.S. 61 north to Route E, east on Route E to I-55, north on I-55 to Route KK, then east on Route KK to U.S. 61.

Maps, plans and other information prepared by the Missouri Department of Transportation, or interested agency, will be available for public inspection and copying at the department's Sikeston District office, 2675 N. Main St. in Sikeston, Missouri.

Any person affected by the project may request a public hearing to be held in regard to the proposed improvements. Requests for a public hearing must be submitted in writing by Sept. 1 to the district engineer at P.O. Box 160, Sikeston, MO 63801.

Pertinent address:

2675 N. Main St., Sikeston, Missouri