Work to begin Monday on Highway 34/72 intersection in Jackson

Missouri Department of Transportation officials are advising motorists who travel through the Highway 34/72 intersection in Jackson to take alternative routes and car pool when crews being work there Monday.

The intersection improvements are the final phase of widening and resurfacing the section of roadway. Construction is expected to last a month, but could take longer if weather is dismal.

When complete, the intersection will be widened with concrete and existing lanes resurfaced with asphalt.

MoDOT officials estimate the work could cause 10-minute delays, especially during peak travel times. Resident engineer Darius Dowdy expects higher traffic volumes 6 to 8 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.

Dowdy advised trucks to avoid the area entirely because construction will likely cause tight turning movements.

"Obviously the fewer vehicles, the less delay," Dowdy said in a news release. "If people can alter their travel times or schedule appointments to miss the peak hours it could help keep the delays minimal."

Message boards will be set near the construction area. MoDOT officials are encouraging motorists to utilize the message boards for the most up-to-date information.

For more information, contact MoDOT's customer service center at 888-275-6636.