East 226 I-44 Overpass Signalization Project Could Begin July 6

Traffic signalization on the Interstate 44 exit 226 overpass could begin as early as July 6, as the Missouri Department of Transportation is currently accepting bids for the project until May 15.

The project, in many different ways, has been in the plans since 2011-12 but came to fruition last year when the City of Sullivan and Village of Oak Grove submitted a joint application covering a 50/50 cost share with the State of Missouri to move the project forward.

This past week, the City of Sullivan approved payment of the cooperative portion with MoDOT in the amount of $485,000. The funds are generated through a transportation fund that is jointly shared between the two municipalities.

The overpass has been a site of numerous traffic accidents and confusion for motorists especially unfamiliar with the intersection at the North Service Road and Highway AF.

According to Sullivan City Engineer Robert Schaffer, the project should move along as long as it comes in at budget.

“We are anticipating the project will begin and proceed to the contractor on July 6, with a completion date of December 15, 2020,” said Schaffer. 

The project will provide traffic signalization at all of the crucial areas and intersections expected to provide a safe and smooth flow of traffic once completed.