MoDOT has plans to renovate Interstate 55 exit in Cape Girardeau

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The Missouri Department of Transportation has plans to improve Exit 93B on Interstate 55.

In July, the Missouri Department of Transportation took public comments regarding the interchange, and Southeast District Project Manager Tim Pickett said there were two primary areas of concern. 

“One of the concerns was the confusion with Exit 93A and 93B, if we could consolidate that,” he said. “Some of the merging movements that happen at the interchange, if we could eliminate some of those.” 

Pickett said there is also hope of expansion west of this interchange.  

“Route 74 that goes over the river, potentially you could have an outer road network that would connect that interchange down to this one and then allow for expansion over there,” he said.

MODOT believes it can get at least 10 years out of the current configuration, but the first order of business is making renovations to the bridge. 

Later on, Pickett said the plan is to consolidate significantly.  

“As we progress out in later years, and we can implement the whole plan, we hope to have what we refer to as a ‘dog bone interchange’, which is really a traditional diamond shape interchange with roundabouts where the ramps are,” he said.

Pickett said the exit is fine for now, which is why it was pushed from Tier 1 to Tier 2 on MODOT’s unfunded needs list, but as the years go by, the improvements will make a difference. 

“It’s functioning okay right now, and typically when we look to design for the future, we look at 20 years out,” he said. “It will be a big improvement when it’s all completed.” 

Work could begin on the project as soon as Fall 2025.