Traffic Trouble

Flip flops aren`t only a summer time accessory, but it`s now a way to explain yet more roadwork upates. Officials say the reconstruction of I-44 in Jasper County is now half complete. MoDOT District Engineer Richard Walter says the eastbound lanes are finished, but now it`s time to flip-flop and begin work on the westbound lanes. The switchover will begin Monday as crews will move two-way traffic from the westbound lanes to the eastbound. Once all the traffic is moved, motorists will notice detour changes. At the Fidelity interchange where Highways 44, 71, and 59 meet, the cloverleaf ramp that goes from eastbound 44 to northbound 71 will reopen, but the other three cloverleaf ramps will remain closed. Another change will happen at Exit 15 - also known as the Scotland, 7th Street, State Route 66, or Business Loop 44 exit - where the westbound off-ramp will close and the eastbound on-ramp will reopen. The total cost of the project is estimated at more than 11-million dollars and should be completed by November 10th. Officials say the bottom line is safety, and that some areas motorists are use to are about to change. They say slow down and pay extra attention. Reported by: Ryan Loyd