Ground broken for Cape river overlook project

Workers broke ground Wednesday morning on the new scenic overlook project at the old Mississippi River bridge in Cape Girardeau. The project will transform the base of the bridge into a terrace where visitors can observe the riverscape. The site will have parking and will connect to Terrace Park, a picnic area with a gazebo and benches. The Mississippi River bridge was demolished in 2004. Work on the project, estimated to cost more than $400,000, will be complete in 117 days, according to the city engineer's office. Eighty percent of the cost is funded with grant money from the Federal Highway Administration. The remainder of the cost, nearly $84,000, will be picked up by the city.