Cape council OKs bridge project to solve sinkhole problem

Action taken Monday night by the Cape Girardeau City Council may bring the city one step closer to reopening the roadway on South Sprigg Street.

A section of the street has been closed since 2013 after a large sinkhole collapsed part of the nearby street, and another sinkhole formed near the base of the bridge.

The city received federal funding last year to perform an investigative study and determine whether the street could be reopened. Horner & Shifrin was awarded the contract last year and has finished its investigation, determining a new bridge could be built near the existing structure.

Horner & Shifrin's geological studies determined a structurally sound bridge could be built by digging to the bedrock and building the frame from there. Now it's ready to put that finding to the test.

The measure approved unanimously by council Monday allowed crews to begin the design and construction phases "which we have been talking about for some time," said city manager Scott Meyer. Sprigg Street's closure has caused a number of transportation issues, including limited access to the city's transfer station.

The cost for that work is not to exceed $571,264.74. An emergency relief program agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission will provide 80 percent reimbursement for the project.

A low-interest loan of $3,965,100 from the Missouri Transportation Finance Corp. also will go toward design and construction.

Council members also unanimously approved a measure appropriating funds from the city's Solid Waste Fund to cover costs of a one-day household hazardous-waste collection event.

The city periodically offers an event where residents, at no cost, can drop off household hazardous waste items not accepted in the weekly trash collection. Because the event depends on grant assistance, none has not been held since 2011.

The ordinance up for council approval would appropriate $39,626.00 to cover the estimated cost of the hazardous waste collection event. A grant from the Southeast Missouri Solid Waste Management District will fund 75 percent of the cost, with a maximum grant amount of $29,719.50. Remaining costs would be covered by unencumbered balances of the Solid Waste Fund, according to the city.

Meyer said the city was happy to receive a grant this year, allowing it to hold the event. Councilman Mark Lanzotti said he expects a high level of participation and enthusiasm from residents during the collection.

The date and location for the event have not yet been determined, but Mayor Harry Rediger said it likely will be in the fall.

srinehart@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3641

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.