CAPE AREA GETS NEW COMMUTER PARKING LOT

A new commuter parking area has been established near Interstate 55 off of Route K at Cape Girardeau.

Work on the new area, which can accommodate 20 vehicles, was completed recently by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).

The parking area, open to the public, is located .25 mile west of I-55 and Route K intersection at the intersection of County Road 317 with Route K.

"We're excited to offer this facility in the Cape Girardeau area," said Randy Hitt, area MoDOT engineer. "It will make car pooling easier and more convenient."

The department constructed the new facility at a minimal cost.

"We used recycled materials," said Hitt.

The area was constructed from recycled materials which were the result of recent improvements made on Interstate 55 between Cape Girardeau and Scott City.

Additional materials for the facility cost only $120.

"This is a positive project that responds to the needs of the community, while improving the environment," said Hitt. The parking area was constructed as a result of requests made by local residents who frequently commute to work.

If usage continued to expand, MoDOT will research constructing additional commuter parking areas at other locations in Cape Girardeau County.

MoDOT, said Hitt, welcomes any improvement ideas, questions or comments, concerning road and highway construction.