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Some requested an immediate reduction in the speed limit on Route YY at the school, just west of Highway A. The area is in unincorporated Franklin County.
Students cross Highway YY many times a day, to go to Mass and to a playground on the parking lot on the north side of the highway, it was explained.
Judy Wagner, MoDOT area engineer, said the state must follow a process in order to cut the speed limit from the current 40 mph.
The next step, Wagner explained, is to approve a plan for adding flashing yellow lights and signs to warn motorists of the approaching school zone and increase enforcement of the speed limit by the sheriff's department and Missouri Highway Patrol.
"Once we get flashers up and enforce the speeding then we can work on the next step to lower the speed limit," Wagner said.
Speed studies conducted by MoDOT traffic engineers over the years don't justify an arbitrary reduction in the speed limit, Wagner said.
But some of the people at the meeting didn't accept that argument.
"It's not complicated. There's no need to wait," insisted Noreen Baker, who has two children attending St. Gertrude School. "You're allowing this to continue because of policy. Let's do it, then enforce it," she argued, noting that 40 mph is "much too fast" for a school zone. "This is doable. Let's quit hiding behind policy."
Wagner explained that MoDOT must follow federal guidelines in establishing speed limits based on traffic speed studies. She noted that motorists will drive a speed that is consistent with the condition of the roadway regardless of the speed limit.
MoDOT must adhere to those standards or risk losing federal highway funding which pays for 80 percent of the cost on many projects, she added.
"People are speeding now," Wagner said. "If we set an unrealistic speed limit for the road some people will continue to speed while others will drive at the posted limit." That, she added, would result in more crashes. "We want to set a realistic speed and implement other controls."
"I think you're wrong," said Dan Hogan. He said MoDOT should reduce the speed without flashers. "I say lower it now."
Hogan cited statistics that indicate the chance of a child being killed if they are struck by a car going 50 mph is 100 percent. That drops to 10 percent with a car going 20 mph, he said.
"People are barreling in from the west at 50 to 60 mph," Hogan said. He said the "cavalier" approach by Missouri to safety is "horrible."
Wagner said she understands that the school is working on a plan to install flashing yellow lights but she hasn't received the design from the school's engineer.
Mike Newbanks, principal, said plans are being drawn by Rom Buescher, a parishioner. He said he understands that the design work is finished. Newbanks said he thought MoDOT would obtain a grant through the Safe Routes to Schools program to fund the project but Wagner said there are no funds remaining for that program.
She said her office has not received the plan for the flashing lights and crosswalk. "Timing is crucial."
Wagner said she contacted Franklin County commissioners about assisting the school in some manner. The commissioners are discussing a cost-sharing arrangement with the school.
No Roundabout
State Sen. John Griesheimer began the discussion by presenting a petition with over 1,000 signatures to Wagner. The petition called for the lower speed limit, safety improvements at Highway A/Route YY and opposed the construction of a roundabout at the intersection which had been discussed.
Wagner said under MoDOT policy, engineers had to look at a roundabout as an option to traffic signals or stop signs, but found that the intersection is "not conducive" to a roundabout due to the grade and the location of the Krakow Fire Station just west of Highway A.
She mentioned that MoDOT has been studying the area for years and the first step was to construct curbing to control access points onto Highway A from Krakow Store. That has been successful, Wagner said.
"My goal is to try and get motorists to slow down," Wagner said. She explained that MoDOT recently awarded a grant to Franklin County to purchase additional patrol cars and hire additional deputies to beef up the sheriff's department Traffic Enforcement Unit. "The county has received help from MoDOT.
"We're trying to step in improvements to meet the state requirements as they are now. This is a group partnership effort between the school, county and the state," Wagner commented. "We'll continue to work as partners."
Hogan commented that "Missouri does a very poor job with public safety."
Griesheimer did not disagree. "We don't have the revenue and taxes like other states," he remarked.
Griesheimer said the ultimate solution would be to build an elevated crosswalk over Highway YY "for safety," or move the lot and playground area to the same side as the school buildings.
Councilman Jeff Mohesky, a committee member, applauded the citizens for their efforts. "Hopefully, you can continue to work together as a group to keep this moving forward," he said.
