STATE HOLDS LAST HEARING ON HIGHWAYS 25-74 PLAN

An arrowhead 8,000 years old was unearthed at one of 13 archaeological sites being studied along the proposed upgrade of highways 25 and 74 between Blomeyer and Interstate 55.

Archaeological finds are not expected to affect the Missouri Department of Transportation project, but five of the sites have been recommended for further study.

"There are significant cultural resources represented at the sites," said archaeologist Keith Keeney. "Only after more work can we discover their potential significance to the region."

The final public hearing before the $43.56 million project goes to the design phase was held Monday night at the Holiday Inn.

The project would upgrade the two-lane Highway 25 from Blomeyer to Dutchtown and Highway 74 from Dutchtown to Interstate 55 to a divided highway of four lanes. The highway would be raised above the existing roadway to withstand a 500-year flood.

The purpose of the project is to meet projected traffic volume 20 years out and to curtail the use of I-55 by local traffic, according to Steve Coates of QST, the St. Louis-based consulting firm which has been studying routes for the upgrade.

As the roads are now configured, most drivers going to Cape Girardeau along Highway 74 use I-55 to reach Kingshighway or the interchange with new Route 74 in Cape Girardeau. The proposed upgrade creates a Highway 74-I-55 interchange to the north of the old Highway 74 interchange that would connect directly with Kingshighway.

Nine residences, three businesses and two industrial sites would be subject to acquisition. Two of the businesses and both industries are currently closed.

The project would convert more than 200 acres of farmland and could impact about three acres of wetlands.

Right-of-way acquisition and construction are at least five years in the future.

Keeney, who is employed by Carbondale, Ill., subcontractor American Resources Group, said the Hardin barbed point estimated to be about 8,000 years old was found in the eastern part of the project, near the interchange with I-55. A variety of pottery pieces from the 19th century also have been found.

Keeney said no human remains were discovered along the route. Human remains ordinarily are the only discovery that alters the routing of a highway.

Whatever artifacts are collected will be returned to the landowner. If the artifacts are not claimed they will be sent to an archaeological repository at the University of Missouri.