New bridge goes dark from water in decorative fixtures

The decorative lights on the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge were turned off Thursday, and will be turned off for an extended period of time while the Missouri Department of Transportation and electrical contractors try to find a way to solve a water accumulation problem in the light fixtures.

Scott Meyer, MoDOT district engineer, said the lights were tested on several occasions before they were turned on Feb. 21, but it wasn't until they were on for this extended period of time that water was noticed accumulating in some of the fixtures.

Electrical contractor Sachs Electric is working with the lighting supplier to determine the best way to correct the problem. MoDOT spokeswoman Angie Wilson said Sachs didn't have a specific time frame as to when the lights might be fixed, but said Sachs is working to get them on "as quickly as possible."

Meyer said he doesn't anticipate any additional costs to the state to correct the problem.

"We have all been enjoying the beauty of the bridge at night, but water and electricity don't mix and we don't want to damage the electrical system. Therefore, we have no other choice but to halt the decorative lighting while the tests are completed," Meyer said. "We want the lights on, too."

The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce raised $100,000, including several individual light sponsorships, to come up with a 20 percent federal grant match to put up the lights on the bridge.

"Obviously, the most important thing is to get the problem corrected," chamber president John Mehner said. "They're doing the right thing. It's a minor deal in my opinion."