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Public Hearing On Improvements To Route OO Will Be Held May 14

IMPROVEMENTS PLANNED––The Missouri Department of Transportation plans improvements on State Route OO in the north part of Ste. Genevieve County to make the roadway better able to carry the heavier truck traffic created by construction of the Holcim cement plant. Those who live near or use the road can attend a public meeting on May 14 to learn details of the plans.

Residents who live near or travel on State Route OO in north Ste. Genevieve County will have a chance to comment on proposed road improvements at a public meeting held by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) on May 14.

The section of state highway is a two-lane road that runs between Interstate 55 and Highway 61, connection with State Route DD on the west side of the Interstate.

ModDOT Project Manager Tim Richmond says a major reason the improvements are needed is the Holcim plant project, located north of the intersection of Route OO and Highway 61.

“With the Holcim cement plant being constructed, Route OO will definitely see heavier truck traffic,” Richmond said. “This project includes improving the sight distance, widening and resurfacing to accommodate that extra traffic and improve safety for everyone.”

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 14 at Blooms-dale Elementary School, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. An “open house” format will be employed, with members of the project team on hand to explain displays and answer questions. No formal presentation will be given.

MoDOT said the session will give all interested persons “an opportunity to be heard concerning their views on the design of improvements, with reference to the economic and social effects of such design, its impact on the environment, and its consistency with the goals and objectives of the community.”

Written statements and exhibits from the public, as well as verbal statements will be received at the meeting.

The project involves improving the sight distance and widening and resurfacing Route OO from Interstate 55 to Route 61. The road will be closed during construction.

“During construction, traffic will definitely be impacted,” Richmond said. “Route OO will likely be open to local traffic only and there will be periods of closures to through traffic during the resurfacing.”

State Route OO provides the only east/west access to Highway 61 and I-55 between Route TT (north of the Jefferson County line) and Route Y at the Bloomsdale exit. The route is used by commercial and private vehicles, emergency responders and school buses.

According to Richmond, the improvements will require right of way purchases. Information on right of way issues will be available at the public hearing.

Maps, plats, and other detailed information prepared by MoDOT will be available for public inspection and copying at the office of the MoDOT District Engineer, 2675 North Main St., Sikeston, Missouri 63801.

In addition to the Route OO improvements, MoDOT hopes to make improvements to Route 61 in Ste. Genevieve, Perry, and Cape Girardeau counties this summer.

MoDOT received federal funding for the Highway 61 project through the new High Risk Rural Road project, designed to improve safety on rural routes. The work will be carried out from Route Y near Bloomsdale to the Route 61/25/34 intersection in Jackson.

MoDOT crews began preparatory work on the highway shoulders last year. Bids will be accepted this summer for resurfacing and paving the shoulders. MoDOT hopes contracts can be awarded so crews can work during the summer months.