Speedy road work

The silver lining in this summer's drought was the amount of work that was done this construction season.

There's no better example of that than the Interstate 55 interchange project between Jackson's East Main Street and Cape Girardeau's LaSalle Avenue.

The interchange, originally predicted to open next summer, is well ahead of schedule, and, if the rain stays away, could be completely open by the end of the year. If they aren't already, southbound lanes will be open this week.

The contractor, Dumey Excavating, has been "very aggressive," according to MoDOT officials.

Jackson residents, especially those living in the Bent Creek area, have been waiting for the mew I-55 interchange for a long time. Traffic on that side of town and commercial development on Jackson's side will be moving that much quicker, thanks to the contractor and its crews.