More than a month after a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the new roadway, the so-called “Southern Cross” highway connection just south of Lamesa is now open for traffic. The all-new four-lane extension of State Highway 349 to U.S. Highway 87 opened about Tuesday of this past week, according to various reports. The $7.1-million stretch of highway includes an overpass over State Highway 137 and a bridge over Sulphur Springs Draw. A traffic signal is in flashing mode at the intersection of 349 and 87. Highway 87 traffic receives a flashing yellow caution signal. Vehicles traveling east on Highway 349 are required to ...