Buildings demolished as Tecumseh curves project continues; rock blasting slated for mid-April


Audie Pulliam, a MoDOT engineer working closely with contractors on the Tecumseh curves project, says that in addition to structure removal, contractors are also progressing with dirt work. This section of Highway 160 is near a private roadway, Tecumseh Creek Road, which leads to a home near Norfork Lake.

All 13 structures that were within the Tecumseh curves highway-improvement-project footprint have been demolished, including these cabins that were part of Rocky Top Campground. This photo, showing the cabins still standing alongside Highway 160, was taken March 15.

This photo of the demolished structures was taken March 30. Consideration of the five cabins’ historical significance caused an initial delay in the project, which was originally slated to be completed last summer. The State Historic Preservation Office investigated the matter and ruled in spring 2020 that the five rock-faced cabins were not of historical or cultural significance and could be removed. 

The Tecumseh curves project has been underway for a month now, and those driving through that area of Highway 160 can see a dramatic change. 

“We are nearing completion of the [structure] removals and the contractor… is progressing with the earthwork,” said Audie Pulliam, Missouri Department of Transportation resident engineer. Pulliam is working closely on the project with H. R. Quadri Contractors.

“Once the dirt has been removed from the underlying rock, the contractor will begin blasting operations to remove the rock to make room for the new roadway,” Pulliam said, adding that the blasting operation is scheduled to begin in a couple of weeks, depending on the weather.  

“During blasting, the roadway will be completely closed for a short amount of time for the blast and removal of any rock that might end up in the existing roadway,” he said. “We’ll be notifying motorists of those times via the changeable message signs on the project [site].”

The signs Pulliam references are located at the top and bottom of the Tecumseh hill.

He said the crew does not anticipate closures lasting more than 30 minutes each.

The $3.4 million MoDOT project to realign the roadway began March 1. Work is expected to be completed this fall. 

Ozark County Times

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