SIKESTON - The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded a contract during its regular meeting today for improvements to Route K in Cape Girardeau County.  The $556,616 contract was awarded to Apex Paving Co., Cape Girardeau, Mo.   Funding for this project was received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  

Improvements will extend from Siemers Drive to Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau. The project includes overlaying Route K with a three-fourth inch ultrathin asphalt bonded wearing surface. 

After this portion of the work is completed, contractors will re-stripe this section of the roadway, adding an additional lane from Siemers Drive to Mt. Auburn.  To help make the lane addition possible, MoDOT forces are currently making modifications to the existing road.

Work is expected to be completed this summer.

 "Once the contractor begins applying the surface treatment, the project will take approximately a month to complete," said Resident Engineer Darius Dowdy.  "Lane closures will be necessary in various locations throughout the length of the project. When possible, lane closures will only be in place overnight, to help minimize the impact to traffic," he said. 

Work zones will be marked with signs as the improvements are being made.  Drivers are urged to use extreme caution near the work zone and plan for possible delays.  MoDOT will alert drivers prior to any change in traffic.

For more information, contact Project Manager Tim Richmond at (573) 472-5290, Resident Engineer Darius Dowdy at (573) 243-0899 or MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636). 

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