JACKSON -- The heavily traveled intersection at routes 34 and 72, about 1.5 miles west of Jackson, will be changed in hopes of improving safety, the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission reports.

The intersection is listed as the top safety concern in the 14-county Southeast district. Approximately 14,000 vehicles travel through the area on a given day. Over 5 million vehicles travel through in a year.

A contract was awarded to Girardeau Contractors, Inc., of Cape Girardeau for $165,339.

The intersection currently resembles a "Y." It will be changed to a more standard "T" formation.

This change will provide more visibility for drivers by relocating the left-turn location to the top of the hill. Left-turn-only lanes for traffic on Route 34 and on Route 72 are also included.

The project is financed through special funding earmarked for traffic safety improvements.

"We are very pleased to receive the special safety funding that is enabling this important project to advance more quickly than originally anticipated," said Bob Wilson, MoDOT resident engineer.

"This intersection is so heavily traveled by motorists from both Cape and Bollinger counties,' he said. "The improvement is aimed at making the area much safer for everyone in the area."

All the work will take place on existing state property. No additional land will be purchased from surrounding property owners.

The contractor expects to begin work in mid-May and complete work by the end of June.