The complexity of the U.S. 51 reconstruction came from solving long-standing drainage and pavement issues while maintaining traffic through a vital Du Quoin corridor.
This project required more than another pavement overlay. Years of standing water had damaged the roadway from below, meaning a long-term solution had to address both the pavement and the drainage systems supporting it.
E.T. Simonds removed unstable soils, rebuilt the roadway base and installed new asphalt and concrete pavement. Larger storm sewers and box culverts were added along both sides of the corridor, while roadway grades were corrected to move stormwater away from the driving surface more effectively.
The project also incorporated utility improvements and new sidewalks along both sides of U.S. 51. Together, those improvements created a complete corridor designed to reduce future maintenance needs while improving everyday travel for drivers, pedestrians, residents and nearby businesses.
