Bids for a U.S. 63 widening project through Houston came in more than expected, and new proposals will be sought.
New specifications could be released this week.
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission reviewed bids recently for a project that includes major improvements to U.S. 63 through Houston.
Mayor Don Tottingham, City Administrator Larry Sutton and Alderman Don Romines met late last week with representatives of MoDOT to discuss the shortfall and its affect on the project. The city also has had contact with MoDOT Commissioner Mike Pace of West Plains, a former Houston resident who the city says has helped with the process.
The almost 2.6-mile effort calls for grading and pavement work from the Brushy Creek Bridge south to just north of the Indian Creek Bridge.
The earlier estimated $1.7 million plan calls for:
•Three lanes from the Brushy Creek Bridge to First Street.
•Five lanes from First Street to Sonic Drive In.
•Three lanes from South U.S. 63 southward to the city limits.
•Reconfiguring some traffic lights.
•Eliminating highway curbing at the Holder Drive intersection.
One of the possibilities on the table would be using a different asphalt grade, which might save $500,000 of the $900,000 shortfall. Additionally, another option might be to eliminate a turn lane from Grand Avenue north to the Brushy Creek Bridge.Â
A $500,000 project to construct a sidewalk along U.S. 63 will not be affected.
The effort to construct a sidewalk from West Highway 17 near Corner Express to Houston Walmart Supercenter was among $3.1 million in projects to receive federal transportation alternative funds. The city will pay $100,000 of the project cost. Grant funding will pay the rest.