Orange Barrel Report June 29

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The Missouri Department of Transportation has updated its schedule for the replacement of the Route 7 bridge over Interstate 44, with work now set to begin July 13.

The bridge will be closed for approximately five months while crews replace the bridge deck. The project is expected to be completed and the bridge reopened by Dec. 1, weather permitting.

During construction, the bridge will be closed to through traffic with no access across I-44. However, the interstate ramps at Exit 150 are expected to remain open except during overnight work.

• Northbound Route P to Route 7 traffic and westbound I-44 traffic will be detoured via eastbound I-44 to Exit 153.
• Southbound Route 7 to Route P traffic and eastbound I-44 traffic will be directed to westbound I-44 and Exit 145.

To prepare for demolition of the existing bridge deck, MoDOT also plans overnight lane reductions and ramp closures:

• 7 p.m. July 14 to 6 a.m. July 15: Eastbound I-44 ramps to and from Route 7 will close, and eastbound traffic will be reduced to one lane and routed over the Exit 150 ramps.
• 7 p.m. July 15 to 6 a.m. July 16: Westbound I-44 ramps to and from Route 7 will close, and westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane and routed over the Exit 150 ramps.

All work is weather-dependent and subject to change.

A contractor for Ritter Communications plans to extend the work zone on KY 2187/Husband Road in McCracken County until July 10.

Crews are installing aerial fiber optic cable along KY 2187 between mile point 2.7 and 0.68, or from KY 284/Bridge Street to Eich Road.

No lane closures are expected, as most of the work is taking place along the shoulder. Motorists may experience temporary traffic delays as crews move aerial cable across the roadway or as the convoy advances to the next work location. Watch for signs and follow directions from flaggers.

Some work is expected take place on KY 284/Bridge Street from mile point 0.14 to 0.17, or from Locust Drive to KY 2187/Husband Road. The work will be conducted off-roadway and no traffic impacts are anticipated.