Construction at about halfway point

By Ashley Vasquez

Ashley Vasquez/The Smithville Herald
Construction on a new intersection at Missouri Highway 92 and Commercial Avenue in Smithville is nearing the halfway point. MoDOT officials said construction on the project should be completed no later than Monday, Aug. 18, as planned.

Construction on a new roundabout at the intersection of Missouri Highway 92 and Commercial Avenue in Smithville is moving forward on schedule, according to MoDOT officials.

Greg Stervinou, resident engineer with the Missouri Department of Transportation, said the project should hit the 50 percent complete mark this week. Stervinou said crews are now relocating electrical and water lines and have nearly completed site work. Gravel underlay and concrete should be visible in the coming week.

“We are on schedule, and the project should be completed on time as scheduled before the school district reopens its doors for classes in August,” Stervinou said. “They are moving the underground utilities, and people should be able to see more progress in the coming days as concrete begins to be poured.”

MoDOT officials said construction on the project must be completed no later than Monday, Aug. 18, to comply with bid specifications and be finished before the Smithville R-II School District 2008-2009 school year begins Tuesday, Aug. 19.

Traffic has been detoured since June by MoDOT on Missouri Route DD, and local traffic can take a variety of side streets including Stonebridge Lane, Liberty Road, Tillman Road and others to gain access to businesses and neighborhoods surrounding the intersection. Additionally, businesses just west of the intersection including Scott’s Tractor, Smithville Express Lube and Smithville Dentist are still open and accessible via Highway 92 during the construction.

Smithville Police Chief Ken Wilson said drivers should continue to beware of the closure and pay close attention to the speed limits along Route DD.

“People seem to be minding the speed and doing well,” he said. “People should take note of the upcoming events in

downtown and be extra careful with many children out.”

MoDOT awarded the bid for the project at just over $800,000. It is being paid for through federal grant dollars. A roundabout is a small circular intersection that forces drivers

to yield to the vehicle to the left rather than having to stop at a four-way stop and look in three directions.

Smithville Editor Ashley Vasquez can be reached at 532-4444 or ashleyvasquez@npgco.com.