LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEW BRIDGE

There are many reasons to look forward with enthusiastic anticipation to the completion of the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge, slated for sometime early in the next century. Work is progressing on the new span across the Mississippi River, although passers-by and shoreline superintendents may not see much evidence of it.

Much of the work on the new bridge is occurring on the Illinois side of the river where extensive preparations for the approach from Highway 146 are proceeding, although high water has been a deterrent in recent weeks. Still more activity is at the bottom of the middle of the river, where work is continuing on bedrock fissures that must be sealed before the mid-river pier can be constructed.

It is never more apparent how badly the new bridge is needs than when the old bridge, suffering from its age, is being inspected or repaired.

The narrow, two-lane bridge has been reduced to one lane of traffic recently while highway department crews work on minor repairs. For the past two Wednesdays, the bridge has been shut down completely for six and a half hours during the day.

While motorists certainly want the old structure to be maintained and kept safe, it has been a tremendous blow to commuters and travelers. And businesses in East Cape Girardeau on the Illinois side have suffered tremendously. Some businesses have even taken holidays rather than open their doors to customers who can't get there from Missouri.

When the current round of repairs are completed, the new speed limit on the bridge will be 25 mph rather than 40 mph. This is another indication of the bridge's condition. And another reason to watch -- and wait -- as the new bridge goes up.