That stretch of new, white concrete between Sprigg Street Road and Highway 177 seems to beg for traffic, but drivers must wait a bit longer.

The new section of Lexington Avenue originally was slated to open next week, but there has been a delay.

City Engineer Mark Lester said some new pavement cracked. He said there are several possible reasons for the cracks, but no matter what the cause the cracked sections must be removed and replaced.

Lester said the project still is in the hands of the city-hired contractors, Fronabarger Concreters Inc. of Jackson and Lappe Cement Finishing Inc. of Perryville. The contractors estimate the new part of Lexington will be open by the end of September.

Once that section is open, the completed Sprigg Street extension will open too. Some drivers already have taken a trip down the streets, but Lester said there should be barricades up to prevent the practice.

It is little wonder drivers are anxious to travel the new roads. The two new roads, originally budgeted at about $1.6 million, have been on the city's master street plan for years. Road work on the projects began a year ago.

Once open, Lexington will provide a major east-west artery leading all the way from Highway 177 to Kingshighway and Mount Auburn Road. It is part of a loop around the city consisting of Lexington, Mount Auburn and William Street.

Lester said there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony when the roads officially open.