MoDOT reroutes oversized trucks after roundabouts sustain damage

JACKSON, Mo. (KBSI) — Ongoing construction on Interstate 55 is changing traffic patterns across Cape Girardeau County, sending oversized and overweight trucks through Jackson and causing minor damage to roundabouts along the way.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Interstate 55 project stretches from Fruitland to Scott City and includes pavement repairs, bridge rehabilitation and future paving work.

Lane restrictions have required oversized and overweight loads to temporarily leave the interstate as crews work through different phases of the project.

MoDOT Assistant Resident Engineer Zachary Lee said oversized loads were initially routed along Route K in Cape Girardeau before re-entering Interstate 55. Once construction began on Route K, the agency shifted those loads to Exit 105 in Jackson, where trucks traveled along North High Street through the Deerwood Drive roundabout.

As more oversized loads began using the Jackson detour, crews noticed damage to the concrete curbs at the Deerwood Drive roundabouts.

“We thought that was the best route,” Lee said. “Well, these roundabouts started getting damaged.”

Because of that damage, MoDOT adjusted the detour again, directing many oversized loads through the U.S. 61 diverging diamond interchange instead.

Lee said the damage has been limited to the curbs at the roundabouts. Temporary signs were also installed after permanent signs were removed to give larger trucks more room to safely navigate the intersections.

Along Route K, crews are widening the roadway, adding a center turn lane and preparing to construct a new roundabout at Notre Dame Drive as part of a larger corridor improvement project.

According to MoDOT, the multi-phase project is expected to continue through November 2027.

Lee said the recent damage has also sparked discussions about how future roundabouts could better accommodate oversized loads.

“The Route K roundabout… it’s going to be similar to any roundabout we have here,” Lee said. “We don’t design these roundabouts for these oversized overweight loads. The design criteria is for a standard truck like you see every day out on the interstate. With that said, it sounds like we may go back to the drawing board later on and redesign some of these newer roundabouts to accommodate some of these larger loads.”

As construction continues, MoDOT is reminding drivers to use caution around oversized vehicles.

“Give these trucks plenty of room,” Lee said. “They’re very large, very overweight, so they may not be able to see you. Just be patient, give them space and give them time to do their maneuvers.”

Current lane restrictions on Interstate 55 are expected to remain in place for about two more weeks, weather permitting. The overall Interstate 55 project is expected to continue into next year.

Project Information:

• Interstate 55 rehabilitation project (Fruitland to Scott City): MoDOT I-55 project information
• Route K Corridor Upgrades (Notre Dame Drive roundabout project): MoDOT Route K Corridor Upgrades
• Route 25/Route K roundabout project information: MoDOT Route 25/Route K project page

To learn more about road projects across southeast Missouri, visit: MoDOT Southeast District projects