The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded a contract during its regular meeting June 06, 2012 for improvements to Route 67 South in Poplar Bluff. The $17,394,655 contract was awarded to Robertson Contractors, Inc., Poplar Bluff, Mo.
The project included construction to upgrade Route 67 to four lanes from south of Route M to south of Route 160. The improvements provide a four-lane highway from Route 160 in Poplar Bluff to St. Louis, in addition to strengthening the connection from Route 160 to Route 60.
Project Manager Eric Krapf explained the project has a significant impact on the area by addressing two primary concerns.
"The full interchange at the Route 160 intersection addressed issues with left turning traffic," he said. "Additionally, the project reduced the number of potential conflict points by limiting access."
According to Krapf, managing the number and location of access points also helps reduce congestion.