MoDOT Updates Plans to Improve Route 142 at the Eleven Point River in Oregon County

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SIKESTON-The Missouri Department of Transportation plans to improve Route 142 near Billmore, Missouri in Oregon County. The project includes replacing the Route 142 bridge over the Eleven Point River. A section of the roadway, located from the Eleven Point River to 0.4 miles east of the river, will be raised to mitigate issues with flooding.

"With the environmental considerations of the surrounding area, constructing on the existing alignment is now the preferred option," said MoDOT Project Manager Pete Berry.

Constructing on the existing alignment will include closing the bridge and roadway for approximately five months during construction. In addition, the Narrows entrance and the River Access entrance will be closed during a portion of construction.

Impacts to river traffic will be minimal, with brief closures planned as girders are set for the new bridge and when the truss span is removed over the channel.

Tentatively, the project will be let in fall 2025. Preliminary work for the Route 142 bridge replacement could begin as early as winter 2025.

"The five-month closure is anticipated to begin in May 2026, once school is out of session," explained Berry. "During this time, a signed detour will be in place on Routes Y, 160 and U."

Completion is anticipated in fall 2026.

If assistance is needed in another language, please contact Berry at (417) 469-6242 by Friday, Jan. 24, 2025.

Interested persons may review the project in more detail and share their thoughts at www.modot.org/route142oregon. Comments will be accepted through Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. Maps, plans, and other information will be available for public inspection and copying at MoDOT's Willow Springs regional office, 3956 E. Main St., Willow Springs, Missouri.

Any person affected by this project may request that a public meeting be held in regard to the proposed improvements. Requests for a public meeting shall be in writing and must be submitted to District Engineer Mark Croarkin at 2675 North Main St., Sikeston, MO 63801, by Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025.

For more information, please contact Berry at (417) 469-6242, MoDOT Area Engineer Elquin Auala at (417) 469-6286 or MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636).

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