.8 million contract awarded for highway work in Houston

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded a contract Wednesday that will result in major improvements to U.S. 63 through Houston.

A $1,777,245 contract was awarded to Chester Bross Construction Co. of Hannibal for pavement improvements on U.S. 63 from Brushy Creek to Indian Creek in Texas County.  

It is the second time the project has been bid. An earlier process resulted in higher than expected bids. The effort includes the addition of new lanes through the community.

City of Houston officials said Thursday they expect a briefing soon on the approved work.

They believe the approved bid includes:

• Five lanes from First Street to Sonic Drive-In
• No changes from Sonic to Miller’s Grill.
• Three lanes from Miller’s Grill to the city limits south to near Indian Creek.

A $500,000 project to construct a sidewalk along U.S. 63 was not affected by the rebidding process.

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.