Overlook at old bridge nearly done

The old Mississippi bridge overlook is nearly complete, and city officials will announce plans soon for a dedication ceremony.

Viewing binoculars have been placed and all brickwork is complete at the overlook, according to Chuck Martin, executive director of the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Martin said the overlook "is part of an overall portfolio to offer visitors to the area. People can get a great view of the river with the binoculars."

Federal transportation grants will reimburse 80 percent of the project costs up to $342,000, with the remaining balance of the project's $419,481 budget coming from the Convention and Visitors Bureau reserve fund, Martin said.

Marla Mills, director of Old Town Cape, said the overlook's location near Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus and the Children's Museum make it a unique addition to the riverfront.

"It's obviously going to be a destination for people who live here and for tourists," Mills said. "It's really going to add to what we have downtown."

City planner Kent Bratton said the project has not been turned over to the city because some contracted work needs to be finished. A couple of street lights need to be installed and sod needs to be laid, he said.

Bratton said the city engineer needs to declare the location substantially complete before it can be dedicated. Former city engineer Jay Stencel's July 1 departure may slow the process, as interim city engineer Kelly Green adjusts to the position, he said.

Original light fixtures from the old bridge were preserved on the overlook. The lights are on a timer synchronized with the lights on the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge, Bratton said.

The site will be cleared completely before the city will hold a dedication ceremony, said Michelle Hahn, public information manager for the city. She expects a date will be set soon.

"The overlook is a great way to hold on to the heritage of the old bridge while putting a focus on the new bridge as well," she said.

pwylie@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 122