Overlook plan awaits federal OK

By May 2007, what remains of the old Mississippi River bridge will likely be transformed into a scenic overlook point. Officials say the spot will be ideal for viewing the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge or just watching the river roll by.

"This is another big step towards reconnecting the community with its greatest natural resource," said Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau director Chuck Martin.

The CVB's plan includes picnic tables and benches, parking spaces and a walking trail that will connect to Terrace Park and the gazebo on the hill overlooking Aquamsi Street.

If approved, 80 percent of the project will be funded with money from the Federal Highway Administration. The federal funding will be no greater than $342,000, and the remainder of the cost will come from the CVB. Martin said he expects to come before the city council and ask for $86,000 at Monday's meeting.

The Federal Highway Administration is expected to approve the proposal within a month, at which point the city will put the project out to bid.

The section of the old bridge will be fitted with handrails and arc lamps for a historical feel. Plans are in the works to add "big eyes," binoculars that could be used for free, but those may not be part of the initial design.

Martin said the CVB will do "visitor intercept surveys" to see how the overlook can be improved later on.

Below the 100-by-25-foot bridge overlook will be a 40-by-25-foot terrace. Along the walkway to the terrace, the Chamber of Commerce will mount a bronze plaque with the names of all 140 donors whose contributions helped pay for the lighting of the Emerson Bridge.

"It'll be great. It's just a very beautiful area, and this will add to what we've already got going at the River Campus," said city engineer Jay Stencel. "At the elevation view at the end of the bridge you can see longways in both directions, and the view is fantastic."

Martin said the overlook will be another spur for redevelopment in surrounding neighborhoods. "Obviously the River Campus is the biggest catalyst towards revitalization, but any time there's an enhancement, and any time a park-like atmosphere is added, it just offers something more to attract potential residents," he said.

Cape Girardeau will also benefit from federal enhancement funds for two other projects. MoDOT recommended Thursday that funds from its Surface Transportation Program should go toward the North Park Trail extension, and other money from the same program was set aside for Phase III of the River Walk. Both recommendations must be approved by the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission during its September meeting to move forward.

The plan calls for $491,400 to extend the 12-foot-wide River Walk from the northern floodwall 2,531 feet to Sloan Creek. The North Park Trail extension will extend Cape LaCroix Recreation Trail by 1.5 miles to connect it with North County Park and the nature center at a cost of $481,700. The plan will require a low-water crossing at Cape LaCroix creek just north of Kingshighway and two bridges spanning ravines.

If approved, both projects would receive approximately 80 percent federal funding.

tgreaney@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245