Contractor hired for expressway improvements

Emery Sapp and Sons of Columbia will be paid more than $20 million to rebuild part of the Rex Whitton Expressway in Jefferson City.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the contract Wednesday during its meeting in St. Louis.

Sapp and Sons submitted the low bid for a project that includes a new interchange between U.S. 50-63 and Lafayette Street, a third lane in each direction between Monroe Street and Clark Avenue, five new bridges and rehabilitation of a sixth bridge.

The total contract is $20,332,366.

"We're excited to have the contact awarded and get this project started," Central District Project Manager Mike Dusenberg said, in a news release. "While the contract award is the culmination of years of planning and public input, this is only the beginning.

"The improvements will take approximately two years to complete, but will provide a smoother and safer commute for those who use Whitton Expressway."

Work is expected to begin by the end of this year.