Broadway disruption

The much discussed and oft-debated Broadway construction project will begin in a few weeks.

It promises to be a massive project that will take months to complete. Regardless of whether you think the costs of aesthetics outweighs the benefits of parking, the streetscape will no doubt be a huge visual improvement over what it is today.

But while the project is ongoing, there will be some mighty challenges for businesses along Broadway.

The city is trying to help business owners be proactive in addressing the inconveniences caused by the construction.

The city is developing plans to keep the public and businesses informed of every step in the construction process. Furthermore, it is working with Southeast Missouri State University's innovation and entrepreneurship center to offer business counseling and strategy sessions at no cost for business owners along the construction project. Old Town Cape and the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce will also be available to assist with individual business needs and requests.

The city, working with Old Town Cape and the chamber, will post regular updates on a website, which will be announced once a contractor is selected. It will include the construction schedule, maps detailing parking arrangements and alternative store fronts. Likewise, the Southeast Missourian will provide frequent project updates as the project moves forward.

It's refreshing to see that the city government is working with other institutions to try to help businesses during this construction project. The city has learned from past lessons; two businesses closed for good when a different section of Broadway was widened several years ago.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, between 16,000 and 19,000 vehicles per day travel Broadway. We encourage everyone to keep up to date on the progress of the road, and we hope that customers will be patient and supportive of the businesses despite the construction mess that will soon begin.