SPRIGG-LEXINGTON STREET WORK ADDS TO CITY'S NETWORK

The cost of extending North Sprigg Street will be less than previous estimates. The city had figured the cost of extending Sprigg from Bertling to the soon-to-be-constructed Lexington would cost more than $861,000. The low bid of $511,164 was a pleasant surprise that will benefit taxpayers. Construction will begin in August and could be completed by year's end.

Bids will be opened for a separate but related project -- construction of the last section of Lexington -- on Aug. 1. The final section of Lexington will extend about a mile from Old Sprigg Road to Highway 177. It will run along the northern edge of Melody Lane.

These projects represent a crucial connection in the arterial loop around Cape Girardeau's perimeter. The Lexington-Sprigg connection has been long awaited and much needed to improve traffic flow, especially in the city's growing northwest area.

The city's master plan includes a blueprint to encircle the city with streets able to handle heavy traffic flow. Lexington will provide the northern edge of the circle, connecting with Sprigg Street as it travels south to William Street. Eventually it is to link with the new Mississippi River bridge route. Mount Auburn Road provides the western edge of the circle.

Funding for both the Lexington and Sprigg projects has already been set aside and isn't part of the proposed transportation sales tax that will be on the ballot in August.

Completion of this transportation circle will affect many motorists. People driving to and from Procter & Gamble Paper Products Co. plant north of Cape Girardeau will find a better commute. Staff and students heading to classes at Southeast Missouri State University may improve their drive time. And fans of the Indian basketball games and other Show Me Center events may get home faster due to the addition of another exit route. Those coming from Jackson and beyond may discover a faster route into Cape Girardeau's downtown. And no doubt the circle will improve traffic flow when the proposed gambling riverboat finally comes to town.

The blueprint for better traffic flow around the city is about to become reality.