LaSalle Avenue now open to traffic

LaSalle Avenue, the new road connecting exit 102 on Interstate 55 with Route W, opened to traffic Friday, Cape Girardeau Mayor Jay Knudtson said.

Weather and design changes on the two-mile-long, $3.4 million road have pushed the completion date past the expected May opening. The new road allows Jackson residents to reach Cape Girardeau from East Main Street without using I-55 or U.S. 61, also known as East Jackson Boulevard and Kingshighway.

LaSalle Avenue is four lanes near the interstate and narrows to two lanes. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate completion of the road will be held Wednesday, Knudtson said.