Road district to replace bridge at Cape LaCroix Creek

The Cape Special Road District is preparing to replace its fourth bridge with money generated from the Prop 1 sales tax that passed in 2006.

District engineer Mark Phillips said replacing the bridge over Cape LaCroix Creek on County Road 621 is part of the commitment the road district made when the tax was approved by voters.

"When Prop 1 was passed, we knew we wanted to increase the number of asphalt miles in the district and we wanted to replace bridges," he said.

Phillips said the district was formed almost 100 years ago to maintain and construct roads and bridges near Cape Girardeau. The district currently has jurisdiction over county roads in the southeastern part of Cape Girardeau County, as well as 10 miles within Cape Girardeau city limits.

Phillips said the Cape LaCroix bridge is being replaced for a variety of reasons.

"It was built in the 1930s. It has lived its life and is ready to be replaced. Also, there is a bad skew near County Road 638. We want to improve that alignment," he said. The bridge will also be doubled in size from its current 18 feet to 36 feet.

Bids for the new bridge are scheduled to be opened Sept. 14 at the district's office. Phillips said he would like to start work on the bridge by the middle of October. If the weather remains dry and mild throughout construction, he said the project could be completed by the end of the year.

During construction county roads 621 and 638 will be closed near the bridge. Phillips said detour signs will be in place directing motorists around the construction zones.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

243-8600