CITY SET TO MOVE AHEAD ON SPRIGG

When J. Kensey Russell drives down Melody Lane, a washboard-rough gravel road that passes grazing cattle and pasture, he sees something different.

Russell, Cape Girardeau's city engineer, envisions the completion of a master plan to encircle the city with streets that provide better access and avenues for development.

Russell and his engineering staff are drafting final plans for two road construction projects that will complete the circle. Sprigg Street will extend north to meet with the last section of Lexington, which will run along the northern edge of Melody Lane. Bids could be advertised within 30 days.

Although Russell is hesitant to make any predictions, it is possible both projects could be completed before the end of the year.

The Sprigg Street extension and the Lexington portion along Melody Lane are each less than a mile long. The city's capital improvements budget sets aside $1.78 million for the two projects.

It has been a long time coming.

The master street plan calls for Lexington to provide the northern edge of the circle. It meets with Sprigg Street, which travels south to William Street and one day the new bridge route. Mount Auburn provides the western edge of the circle.

On Monday, Cape Girardeau's school board approved a trade of nearly four acres of school property to the city. In return, the school won't pay the street improvement assessment normally charged when a road goes through. That transaction was the last needed before the final plans are drawn and the project is advertised for bids.

When Russell looks at the map he envisions people driving to and from Procter and Gamble. Their commute will be improved. Professors and students heading for classes at Southeast Missouri State University will have better drive time. Fans of Indian basketball games will get home faster because of another route from the Show Me Center.

The Sprigg Street extension will provide access to Casquin Park, about seven acres that have been land-locked since 1986. The park property is adjacent to the school district's property and on the west of the new road.

Perhaps someday, he said, a new school will be built and new homes all because of these two road projects.

"I'm an engineer," Russell said. "Give me a little money and I like to build things."