Center Junction Diverging Diamond Interchange

Project Scope: Diverging diamond interchange and replacement of two bridges
Owner: Missouri State Highway and Transportation District
Locations: Cape Girardeau and Jackson, Missouri
Project Delivery: Prime Contractor

In January 2020, Penzel Construction was selected to construct a diverging diamond interchange and to replace two Interstate 55 bridges at the intersection of Interstate 55 and Route 61 (Kingshighway/Jackson Boulevard) in Cape Girardeau County.

The main obstacle on this project was managing the heavy traffic that travels on Highway 61 and Interstate I-55. I-55 had 29,995 vehicles per day with 21% trucks and Highway 61 had 22,345 vehicles per day with 7% trucks. Penzel crews were able to safely switch traffic multiple times to facilitate various areas and stages of construction.  Penzel completed the east side of the project early and opened up the new signal at Veteran’s Drive.

Because the old bridges were 571 linear feet long and the new bridges are 283 linear feet long, this required a large quantity of dirt to fill in between the old bridges and the new bridges. The old bridges consisted of steel girders with concrete decks. More than one million pounds of steel was removed from the site. The new girders were constructed of concrete. In total, more than 24,000 cubic yards of concrete were poured, and 88,000 cubic yards of dirt were moved. A total of 450,000 lbs. of rebar was installed. 

This project was all a Quality Management Project, and Penzel Construction was required to submit daily reports showing quantities. Due to favorable weather conditions and methods of construction, this project was completed ahead of schedule.