I-55 shuts down for more work

Workers prepare to pour the Bent 3 cap on the Highway H overpass. Once poured, it will be ready to set beams. Interstate 55 is closed from Benton to Miner from 9 p.m. Saturday through 9 p.m. Sunday while crews set the beams for the new Route H overpass. (Photo by Michelle Felter, Staff)

SIKESTON -- As contractors work to set the beams for the new Route H overpass located south of Blodgett, Interstate 55 will be closed from Benton (Exit 80) to Miner (Exit 69) for a 24-hour period this weekend.

Traffic is detoured to Route 61 from 9 p.m. Saturday to 9 p.m. Sunday.

"I-55 traffic was detoured during demolition of the overpass, and it was very successful," said Southeast Regional Field Engineer Andy Meyer. "Demolition was completed approximately nine hours ahead of schedule, and I-55 was reopened."

Meyer explained he realizes closing this portion of I-55 will be an inconvenience, but it is the best way to complete this stage of construction.

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