FOUR-WAY STOP PUT AT SPRIGG, BERTLING

Increased traffic at North Sprigg and Bertling has prompted the city to change the intersection from a two-way to a four-way stop.

A recently completed traffic study showed an increase in traffic volume since a similar study last year.

City engineer and traffic engineer Mark Lester said Tuesday the study, which was completed in early September, showed on average 9,500 cars travel through the intersection every day.

"That's increased somewhat since last year," Lester said.

He compared the number of cars that pass through the intersection to intersections in other residential neighborhoods. The intersection of Belleridge Pike and Lexington averages 1,700 vehicles per day, while the intersection of Belleridge Pike and Perryville Road averages 4,500 vehicles daily.

Temporary stop signs have been put in place at Sprigg and Bertling for eastbound and westbound Bertling traffic. Sprigg Street already had stop signs.

An emergency ordinance good for 90 days was passed by the Cape Girardeau City Council at its last meeting allowing the temporary stop signs to be placed at the intersection.

An ordinance to make the four-way stop permanent will be presented for the first time to the council at its Oct. 5 meeting. If passed, permanent stop signs could be in place at the intersection by November, Lester said.

For an intersection to be considered for a four-way stop it must have had at least five vehicle accidents that could have been prevented with a four-way stop or it must have traffic volume that warrants a four-way stop. The traffic volume includes number of vehicles, number of pedestrians and the approach speed to the intersection.

The intersection has had five correctable traffic accidents in the past 12 months, Lester said.

In addition, the increase in numbers at the intersection may justify the four-way stop, he said.

"It's good timing," Lester said, pointing to the new elementary school that will be opening north of the intersection next year, the Holigan Homes development in the area and construction being done by Southeast Missouri State University near the intersection.

"This will give the public a chance to get used to the new traffic signs," Lester said.

The city also has installed signs warning motorists traveling on Bertling of the new stop signs. Police caution drivers traveling north and south on Sprigg to proceed at the intersection with care, being certain that the cross traffic on Bertling has stopped before moving into the intersection.