The Callaway County road and bridge department has heard the dust woes of those along the alternate route past the Route O closure, according to Callaway County Eastern District Commissioner Randy Kleindienst.
With Route O closed at Crows Fork Creek for a bridge repair, an increase in traffic along nearby gravel roads has lead to an increase in dust.
"We're spreading a sandy material that will help keep the dust down," Kleindienst said.
While the material won't completely eliminate dust, but it should help, he said.
The dust-suppressing material will be spread along County Roads 11 and 113 between Route UU and Route O, and along County Road 428 from Route CC to Route AD.
"Because of this closure, there are many different routes people could use, but apparently the county roads are the handiest," Kleindienst said.
Neither the Missouri Department of Transportation nor Callaway County has the budget to spray the roads for dust control, he added.
"It's over $3,000 a mile for the spray, and we're talking about almost 10 miles," Kleindienst said.
Kleindienst said the material being spread tends to create a teeth-rattling washboard effect. For safety, it's best to stay under the 35 mph speed limit.
"We'll be maintaining (the affected roads) on a routine schedule to keep them as smooth as possible," he said.
Here's an update on other road projects throughout the county, courtesy MoDOT's Central District.
Daylight/Overnight Hours
U.S. 54 over the Middle River, east of Route BB - Bridge rehabilitation in the westbound lanes will begin the week of July 17. One westbound lane will be closed Thursday and Friday. The project is scheduled for completion in September.
U.S. 63 over the Katy Trail, north of Jefferson City - Bridge deck replacement in the southbound lanes continues. Southbound Route 63 traffic is being diverted into the northbound lanes with one lane open in both directions. Motorists are asked to drive with caution and watch for stopped traffic, backups and congestion. The southbound bridge will be completed in mid-August.
The entire project is scheduled for completion in September.
Route H over Davis Creek, east of County Road 329 - Bridge replacement continues. The road is closed. Motorists are advised to seek an alternate route. The project is scheduled for completion in mid-August.
Route O over Crows Fork Creek, east of County Road 419 - Bridge deck replacement is underway. The road is closed. Motorists are advised to use Route C, Route 94 and Route CC to detour around the work.
Daylight Hours
Route 94 between County Road 485 and County Road 4011 - Roadside maintenance will take place Monday-Thursday. One lane will be open, and crews will flag traffic through the work area.
Route D between Route 94 and Route O - Roadway maintenance will take place Monday-Thursday. One lane will be open, and crews will flag traffic through the work area.
Route K between Route D and the Montgomery County line - Roadway maintenance will take place Monday-July 27. One lane will be open, and crews will flag traffic through the work area.
Route KK between Route F and County Road 228 - Roadway maintenance will take place Monday-Thursday. One lane will be open, and crews will flag traffic through the work area.