Traffic light installed at Bryant Drive/ Kingshighway

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) installed the new traffic light at what will become a new intersection at Kingshighway and the new Bryant Drive Extension that runs parallel to Fairgrounds Chevrolet and the newly constructed McDonald’s restaurant. Once the traffic light is operational within the next few weeks, the traffic light currently located at the intersection of Fairgrounds Road and Kingshighway will be permanently removed.

   The new traffic intersection at Kingshigway and Bryant Drive Extension will serve as one of the main gateways to the developing Missouri S&T Innovation Park that began with its first Technology Development building located on 10^th Street. The new intersection will also help to divert heavy traffic from Kingshighway onto Fairgrounds Road and eventually into Innovation Park as it continues to develop. These significant improvements to Kingshighway and the new Bryant Drive extension will greatly enhance traffic flow and safety, and create a more welcoming, attractive appearance for visitors coming off I-44. The improvements will also send a message to future developers, investors and businesses/industries that Rolla is a progressive City planning for its future growth and prosperity.

   The final plans for the new Kohl’s store that will be constructed next to Lowe’s on State Road 63 North is also underway with a projected completion date of late winter/spring of 2012. This new national retail store is sure to enhance not only the retail opportunities in Rolla and surrounding communities, but also secure Rolla’s status as a the regional retail hub for South Central Missouri.

   In closing I’d like to remind everyone that today, Saturday, April 23 the Electronics & Appliance Collection will be held from 8 a.m. to 12-noon in the Brewer Science, Inc. Parking Lot (2401 Brewer Drive, located in Hypoint Industrial Park at the I-44 Exit 189/Highway V). The following items will be accepted FREE of charge: stoves, washers, dryers, microwaves and other appliances. Computer CPUs, keyboards, printers, VCRs, cell phones and other electronics. There will be a fee for TVs: $10 business/$5 residents; and a fee for computer monitors: $5 each. There will be no fee for refrigerant appliances (no material from businesses, please). This event is co-sponsored by the City of Rolla, Phelps County Commission, Brewer Science, Inc., Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District, Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Meramec Regional Planning Commission.

   Also on tap for today, Saturday is Breakfast with the Easter Bunny from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at The Centre (1200 N. Holloway Street). Kids and their families are invited to enjoy a healthy breakfast, try your hand at some Easter egg games/activities, and join a hunt for Easter eggs. The Easter bunny will be at The Centre from 8:30-9:15 a.m.; breakfast served from 8:30-9:15 a.m.; and games/activities/face painting/crafts from 9-9:40 a.m. Children will be separated by age for Egg Hunts at 9:45 a.m. 

   Please remember Rolla is celebrating its 150^th Anniversary (Sesquicentennial) all year, and that the Rolla Sesquicentennial T-shirts and commemorative posters are available for purchase ($12 and $2 each) at Rolla City Hall (901 N. Elm Street); The Centre (1200 N. Holloway Street) and the University Book and Supply Store (1107 N. Pine Street). Have a safe week!