Work at Sikeston intersection to begin soon

Vehicles travel along Main and Malone streets in Sikeston. The Missouri Department of Transportation was set to begin the first phase of work at Highway 61 (Main) and Malone Avenue this week, but Matt Wilkerson, area engineer for MoDOT, said that due to a couple snags, the work will begin in a week or two, depending on the weather. (City of Sikeston Photo)

Work will begin in the next few weeks to improve the intersection at Main and Malone in Sikeston.

The Missouri Department of Transportation was set to begin the first phase of work at Highway 61 (Main) and Malone Avenue this week, but Matt Wilkerson, area engineer for MoDOT, said that due to a couple snags, the work will begin in a week or two, depending on the weather.

Wilkerson said the main improvement is replacing signal bases, poles and signals and making crossings compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA.

During the first phase of intersection improvements, the right turn lanes will be closed to allow work on the light bases. The current traffic signals will remain in use as new concrete bases are poured and new signal equipment is installed.

Sidewalks will also be upgraded to ADA compliance at the intersection as part of the project.

The work zones will be marked with signs. Wilkerson said while there will be lane closures at times, he doesn’t expect the intersection to ever be shut down entirely.

Additional information detailing impacts to traffic will be released as work progresses.

The project will stretch into the fall and possibly early winter, and Wilkerson said he is unsure at this time of a completion date.

Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.