The northbound exit ramp off Interstate 55 at the Jackson-Cape Girardeau exit known as Center Junction will be widened to include an additional turn lane.

Traffic at peak periods often is backed up onto Interstate 55, said state transportation department resident engineer Bob Wilson.

The additional left lane will allow more vehicles to use the traffic signal while the right turn lane will let motorists turn toward Cape Girardeau without waiting for motorists to get through the traffic signal, said Wilson.

Construction is to begin next month and is to be completed by Jan. 1.

Pace Construction Co. of St. Louis has been awarded the contract for the $219,340 project to widen and concrete 0.2 miles. Concrete paving of the roadway shoulders is also included in the in the contract. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution when traveling through the work zone, while improvements are being made.

"Motorists traveling to and from work in the area could experience some additional delays and backups during construction," said Bob York, a transportation department construction inspector. "This could create some slowdown coming off the ramp and at times could slow the traffic on Highway 61."

Transportation department officials advise drivers that there will be delays and that they should use alternative routes when possible.