JACKSON IS A STEP CLOSING TO I-55 LINK

After months of work, Phase One of the city of Jackson's East Main Street Extension Project has been completed.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 8 signaled the official opening of the new stretch of Main Street, from Shawnee Boulevard to Oak Hill Road.

It also marks a step toward the city's eventual goal of expanding toward I-55.

"The city of Jackson would like to thank everyone involved in the construction of Phase One of the East Main Street extension," said Mayor Paul Sander. "We are committed to continuing our efforts with MoDOT to secure a new interchange at I-55, which would connect Phase Two of the E. Main Street extension and provide another direct route in and out of Jackson."

Currently motorists have to either exit at Cape Girardeau and drive several miles north to reach the Jackson business district, or exit at Fruitland and drive 12 miles south on US 61.