CONSTRUCTIONG BRINGS TRAFFIC SLOWDOWNS IN CAPE GIRARDEAU

Barricades and barrels at a number of road construction projects in Cape Girardeau are causing traffic slowdowns.

Broadway just east of Kingshighway is one of the newest spots for traffic congestion as four lanes have been narrowed to two across Walker Creek.

Using a jackhammer on a tractor, construction workers started breaking the street pavement Wednesday on the south side of Broadway.

As part of the city's flood-control project, two additional box culverts will be placed under the 52-foot width of Broadway. The work is expected to last until July as the creek is widened 24 feet, the culverts added and the road surface replaced.

Barrels were rearranged Wednesday so customers could enter the parking lot of Super D Drug Store and MAB Paint store from Broadway. Super D management had asked city officials to move the barrels when access to the parking lot Tuesday was only off Kingshighway.

Kevin McNeel, Cape Girardeau's assistant director of public works, said the only major traffic slowdown for his department now is a street repair job at 5 S. Henderson just off Independence. He expects that project to be completed today; work began last week.

He said traffic slowdowns by his department usually amount to more of a distraction with a lane closing once in a while. Some projects may take five to seven days while others in high-traffic areas are completed in two to three days using early-strength concrete.

Barricades have been visible for about seven weeks along College Street from Sprigg west to Benton. Construction work west to Kingshighway is proceeding for new Highway 74 as part of the planned Mississippi River bridge route in Cape Girardeau.

Another major area of traffic congestion with barrels marking construction is Route K at Interstate 55. The bridge over the interstate, now four lanes, is being widened to seven.

The roadway is 52 feet wide. The new roadway will be 108 feet wide, including shoulders. Additional turn lanes are being added to the interstate's off ramps.