New construction work in Cape may affect some commutes

Some travelers in Cape Girardeau likely have altered their routes the past couple of weeks as construction work took place.

Sections of Broadway were closed last week for sewer-line repairs, as was a portion of Aquamsi Street between Good Hope and Elm streets.

Both roads have opened, but drivers should be aware of more upcoming projects that could affect their routes.

Recent projects as well as work that will happen soon are a combination of construction performed by the city and by private businesses. A project beginning later this week in downtown is private and not part of a city-funded effort.

Water Street between Broadway and Themis Street will close for one to two weeks, weather permitting, starting 8 a.m. Wednesday. Dutch Enterprises will complete sewer-repair work for a private business in the area.

Traffic will be able to navigate around it, the city said, using Broadway, Main and Themis streets. Parking lots near the area will be open, although drivers are asked to use caution in the work zone.

Though it does not have a work date attached to it, part of Aquamsi Street will be closed again in the future. Assistant public works director Stan Polivick said "unexpected hurdles" were encountered during last week's initial closure for sewer-line repair. The city reopened the road, but the project has not been completed.

"We had a line break back in January, and we found some pipe that wasn't in good shape when we were repairing that, so we've been getting our ducks in a row to repair about 1,700 feet of pipe," he said.

The plan was to schedule other work that allowed crews to focus on the larger project at Aquamsi, but last week's unexpected work interfered with that.

"It may be as long as a month; it may be a couple of weeks [before repair begins again]," Polivick said. "It kind of depends on the availability of the equipment we need to rent."

Another project interfering with traffic is in the Alma Schrader school district. Kingsway Drive, Janet Drive and Kurre Lane will be affected as work continues in the next four months to build sidewalks.

Work along Kingsway Drive started earlier this month, and the street will remain open to traffic, although the city expects drivers in the area will experience delays. Drivers are encouraged to avoid using that area of Kingsway, if possible.

srinehart@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3641

Pertinent address:

Aquamsi Street and Good Hope Street, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Water Street and Broadway Street, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Kingsway Drive and Janet Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo.