ZIP CODE ADDITION SET FRIDAY

Independence Street will be the dividing line between the existing 63701 zip code and the new 63703 code that will go into effect in Cape Girardeau Friday.

"Because of the growth of the city and immediate area, we're running out of the four-digit add-on for our current zip code," said Michael Keefe, manager of the Cape Girardeau Post Office. "The new zip code will be added this week."

Keefe announced several weeks ago that Cape Girardeau would become a two zip code city.

"Starting at the Mississippi River, the new zip code area will be along Independence to Mt. Auburn Road, south on Mt. Auburn to Route K, then west to Highway 25 to Highway 74," explained Keefe. "People living on both sides of Independence will be in the new zip code area."

The new numbers will give the city three zip codes -- existing codes 63701 north of Independence and 63702 for post office boxes, and the new 63703 for south of Independence.

Adding a zip code is a long process, said Keefe.

"It takes up to two years for everyone to change their zip codes," he said. "But the changeover won't adversely affect mail delivery; our zip code sorting machines are adjusted to handle the codes both ways."

The addition of a zip code is a good sign -- a sign of growth, said Keefe.

"This lets major companies, industries and mailers know that Cape Girardeau is a growing area," he said.

Matt Peters of the local post office said Wednesday that mail customers in the new zip code area have received "official" notices of the new code.