Down, set, hut!

The long anticipated archway underpass on Railroad Drive, that will eventually replace two dilapidated I-44 bridges, is taking shape. And that shape is a quonset hut. The archway, on the southeast side of Mt. Vernon at the intersection of Railroad Drive and East Industrial Drive, will span underneath I-44 and will eventually be covered and used as a tunnel for traffic. The upgrade is part of a much larger overall project to replace several bridges along I-44 in the area. As part of the project, the eastbound on ramp to I-44 at Exit 46, from Highway 39 closed Aug. 19. Per a press release from the Missouri Department of Transportation, “traffic will remain in this configuration until the end of the year.” (Photo by Ryan Squibb)