Southeast Missouri Business NEWS & VIEWS...
CAPE GIRARDEAU'S BILL EMERSON
MEMORIAL BRIDGE OPENS
New Cape Girardeau Bridge looking West
December 13, 2003 will be a day remembered around the three-state region for many years to come. With national dignitaries, parades, bands, antique cars and even the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales participating, the new $100 million Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge was dedicated. Later that day, the barricades were taken down, traffic signals activated and the green light given for multitudes of drivers to cross.
Thousands made the visit to the new gleaming four-lane cable stay bridge that was over 20 years in planning and construction. After dedication ceremonies, the 100' wide bridge for a portion of the day was open for visitors and many took advantage of walking over the mighty Mississippi River from Missouri to Illinois, something they could tell future generations about.
The old Cape Bridge now Closed
In comparison to the 100' wide new bridge, the old bridge was just 25' wide and contained just two narrow lanes with barely enough room for two semi trucks to pass. The rusty 75 year old structure was officially closed in the afternoon. Plans are to take down the old structure sometime early in 2004.
Business and government leaders are optimistic that better access to the city from the east will increase traffic from Western Kentucky, Tennessee, Southern Illinois and all points east and greatly assist in commercial and industrial recruitment efforts. Promoters of the Interstate 66 highway committee, a coast to coast east-west highway plan being considered in congress feel the new four-lane bridge will better position Cape Girardeau as the obvious location to cross the river.
Cape Bridges, Old and new
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