NEW STOP SIGN COULD IMPROVE TRAFFIC ROUTES

Attention shoppers! Getting in and out of some stores on Cape Girardeau's west side should be easier.

In the heart of the Christmas rush, the city of Cape Girardeau has placed a temporary four-way stop at the intersection of Siemers and Lambert drives in response to heavy traffic along the route.

Crews were out Tuesday putting the temporary signs in place.

The City Council will be asked to approve an ordinance creating a permanent four-way stop at the intersection, which includes the entrances to both Sam's Club and Target, at its Dec. 15 meeting, said city engineer Mark Lester.

Stop signs were already in place on Lambert Drive at the intersection. Motorists trying to turn onto Siemers or cross through the intersection often faced lengthy waits for breaks in traffic.

Traffic along Siemers Drive has increased greatly with the opening of new stores and the Cape West Cine.

The traffic volume through the intersection justifies the four-way stop, Lester said.

The average daily traffic volume on Siemers is 12,388 vehicles, he said, and the count for Lambert Drive is 2,656.

The peak traffic volume for one hour through the intersection was 1,420 vehicles coming through all sides of the intersection, Lester said.

A minimum criteria would justify a stop sign with 500 cars coming through the intersection during any eight hours of the day, he said.

"We met that one," he said.

The high volume of traffic through the intersection actually meets two of the criteria for placing an electronic four-way signal at the intersection, he said, but motorists shouldn't expect to see that any time soon.

"We need to do some road improvements before we put that in, and you always start with the lower traffic control device," Lester said.

Few accidents have been recorded at the intersection, he said, but the four-way stop will help improve the flow of traffic.

"What I see in the future is probably painting some turn lanes on there and making some other improvements," Lester said.

He said he's heard "surprisingly few" complaints from residents about congestion on Siemers Drive.

"I was out there one day just watching and it was a problem. And that was even before the holiday," Lester said.

Merchants along the route say they're hopeful the additional stop signs will help ease traffic congestion.

"Traffic is real important to you when you're in retail," said Doug Rowe, Target store manager.

He said his staff hasn't heard many complaints from customers about traffic suggestion.

"Traffic is heavy, especially on the weekends," Rowe said. "I'm really happy to see it. I saw the workers. I think it will definitely help our situation here."

Brett Hogan, manager of the Factory Card Outlet, said the four-way stop should help.

"I really don't see how it could get any worse," he said. "I don't know if the new opening down at Bloomfield will help or not."

Last month, work was completed extending Siemers Drive to Bloomfield Road.

Lester said no study has been done to determine how that extension has impacted traffic flow in the area.

"At this time it's too early to tell," he said.