NEW TRAFFIC SIGNALS

Traffic signals at the I-55 connection with Highway 61-34 between Cape Girardeau and Jackson are being installed. This should help lower the accident rate there, which has made the intersection one of the most dangerous in the area in recent years.

Much of the problem has been caused by two factors: One is speed, and the other is confusion. Motorists going between Cape Girardeau and Jackson have had a tendency to exceed the speed limits. It is a broad, four-lane highway with sizable medians, and it is easy to be lured into thinking speed isn't a factor. But then there are the motorists coming off I-55 who are frequently confused by which way to turn and how to cross the broad median. As a result, they sometimes wind up going the wrong way on a busy, high-speed thoroughfare.

The traffic lights should help in both areas. Motorists will generally have to slow down for the changing lights, and turn arrows will help guide confused motorists through the intersection.

Aside from the Missouri Veterans Home on the southeast quadrant of the interchange, there has been very little development at what is a major traffic link. Some plans appear to be waiting on firm information from the Missouri Highways and Transportation Department about the long-range configuration of the interchange. For example, bringing the lanes of U.S. 61-34 closer together would allow for more land use near the interchange.

The traffic signals are a temporary type and could be easily moved and adjusted as needs arise. At some point, however, the highway department needs to settle on its plans for that interchange so developers can move ahead. Then permanent signals can be installed.