The project included constructing a roundabout at the intersection of Route W/Lexington Avenue/Kingsway Drive to help meet the growing demands of traffic in Cape Girardeau and improve safety.
"The need for improvements at this intersection was identified through the public involvement process for Cape's Transportation Trust Fund program," said Resident Engineer Brian Holt.
Holt explained MoDOT continued to work with the city to find a solution to ease congestion in this location.
"Traffic counts did not show enough vehicles traveling through the area to require an additional signal, and the signal would be placed too close to a signal at the intersection of Lexington Avenue/Mount Auburn Road and Kingshighway," he said. "After evaluating options with the city, a roundabout was the most effective solution."
Holt added roundabouts also have fewer conflict points than traditional intersections and reduce delays by allowing traffic to flow more smoothly with fewer stops.
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded a $1,465,295 contract for construction of the roundabout to Fronabarger Concreters, Inc., in March 2013. In addition, the contract included construction of a turn lane at the intersection of Kingshighway and Lexington Avenue and capacity improvements on Lexington Avenue. This was a cost-share project, with the City of Cape Girardeau providing $793,000.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Held Sept. 2013
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate completion of the roundabout at Route W/Lexington Avenue/Kingsway Drive in Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Speakers at the ceremony included:
- City of Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger
- Cape Girardeau City Manager Scott Meyer
- MoDOT District Engineer Mark Shelton