Cape Girardeau Preparing to Begin $1.52 Million Dollar Renovation on South Sprigg Street

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — A major road renovation project is set to begin in Cape Girardeau in the coming weeks, with the city planning a $1.52 million overhaul of South Sprigg Street.

The project, funded through the city’s Transportation Trust Fund (TTF), is expected to take around 10 months to complete. All dependent on possible weather delays or any issues in the coming months.

City Engineer Jake Garrard confirmed that work will begin by the end of the month. “We designed this one with the city crew,” Garrard said. “We got it all designed and built.”

The project will cover the stretch of South Sprigg Street from just south of Southern Expressway to Maple Street. Mayor Stacy Kinder discusses the importance of the TTF program in maintaining and improving the city’s roadways and more.

“Our TTF program has been absolutely essential for the city, not only in constructing new roadways but also in renovating older ones that are falling apart,” Kinder said. The TTF is funded through a portion of the city’s sales tax and operates on a “pay-as-you-go” basis,  this means funds are only used after they have been collected from tax dollars.

During construction, drivers should expect detours and are asked to remain cautious around work crews. “As the project continues, the detour will move with the project,” Garrard explained. “A section of the road will be completely closed at a time. The detour will primarily route traffic via Kings Highway and Southern Expressway to ensure that large trucks stay on roads that can accommodate them, avoiding residential neighborhoods.”

Mayor Kinder says inconvenience is possible, but stressed the long-term benefit of the construction. “It’s one of those ‘pardon our progress’ situations,” she said. “But it’s always exciting to get a nice new road, new curbs, sidewalks, and streetscape improvements in these areas.”

The South Sprigg Street project is part of the city’s TTF 6 initiative. Looking ahead, officials are preparing for TTF 7, with voters set to decide on future projects in the upcoming April 8 election for the City of Cape Girardeau.

As construction begins, city officials are asking drivers for patience as crews work to improve roads in Cape Girardeau. Detour signs will be posted in the area in the coming weeks, with the project expected to be completed within the year.