Ribbon cutting held for new outer road along Interstate 55

SCOTT CITY -- The outer road along Interstate 55 in Scott City will not only reduce traffic congestion but will also open up the area to economic development, according to officials.

Missouri Department of Transportation officials were joined by representatives of local counties, municipalities and U.S. legislators on the new bridge over Ramsey Creek on East Outer Road at Scott City Tuesday to celebrate the outer road's construction with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Matt Seiler, assistant district engineer for MoDOT's Southeast District, said there is still just a bit more work to do, including painting stripes on the road, but that traffic should be using it before the end of the year.

In June 2010, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the $4,333,380 contract to R.L. Persons Construction of Poplar Bluff, according to Seiler. Work on the project began that summer with the summer of this year being the original projected completion date.

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