|
|
"We have been discussing Highway A for a long time," remarked Bernie Hillermann, committee member. "This committee went on record many times and we've been very firm. We're very supportive of you."
Hillermann said the citizens need to meet with county officials since it is a county, not a city, problem.
"That intersection has always been a problem. Something should be done," said Bill Straatmann, committee chairman. "You are getting media coverage. I'm not sure we can do much more. MoDOT is very aware of the problem."
Dale Jacquin, an owner of Radio-Comm which has its offices at the northwest corner of the intersection, said Missouri Highway Patrol troopers were patrolling at the intersection last week. He said one trooper told him that the intersection is very dangerous and that lights are needed there.
"It's very busy in the morning and afternoon," Jacquin said. "Something needs to be done now before it gets bad" and there are fatal crashes there, he added. "We're asking this committee to put pressure on MoDOT."
Terry Wilson, first district county commissioner and a member of the committee, said both the highway patrol and the sheriff's department have beefed up enforcement in that area. "We've been doing enforcement," he noted. He said the county has asked the patrol to place a portable radar display trailer in that location.
Jacquin said he'd like to see the sheriff's office "bombard" the area for three to four days, then back off a day or two and follow that up with another enforcement blitz.
Some people in the area have pushed for stop signs at Highway A and Route YY, but recent MoDOT studies have not warranted those.
Jacquin said years ago they offered to pay for lights if MoDOT installed them. "We're just asking for warning lights on Highway A," he said.
Wilson said he met with an engineer who prepared plans for crosswalks at St. Gertrude School. One thing discussed was to move the entrance to the old hall at the parish farther away from the Highway A intersection, he said.
Several committee members said that Franklin County needs to play a bigger role in working with MoDOT to get the intersection improved.
"Now is the time for the county to stand up and take a position," Hillermann remarked.
Noreen Baker, who has been pushing for reducing the speed limit on Highway YY at the school, said the county can't do anything unless MoDOT approves. She said the group wants a report each month on progress being made on the issue and asked the committee to appoint a member to "help us move this along."
"The county should get more active with the state," said Bill Miller Sr., committee member. "This needs attention. I think the state is dragging their tails."
"This is a county problem," said Bob Dobsch, committee member. "They're approving building permits in the area and that contributes to the traffic." He said the county can require developers to install turning lanes at large subdivisions.
The county does not have that authority, Wilson said. He pointed out that MoDOT has to follow policies and the traffic numbers don't meet MoDOT's criteria.
Baker said the information in traffic studies is not being collected in the right way.
Some citizens have publicly criticized Judy Wagner, MoDOT area engineer, over the issue. Wagner sits on the transportation committee but was not present at Monday's meeting.
"Judy does her best to do what's right, but she has to work within certain guidelines," said Norm Lause, committee member. "This is frustrating for her, too. This committee is behind you 100 percent."
Rich Wilson, Franklin County public works director, agreed that "this is a county problem" and urged the citizens to attend meetings of the county transportation committee.
He said there are "numerous" intersections in the county that are unsafe and that will be a priority for the county to work on in the future.
Currently, the top priority for the county has been to pave all county gravel roads, but that long-term project is coming to a close, Rich Wilson said. "After next year, we need to start looking at safety improvements.
"The county is committed and willing to work with you on this," Rich Wilson said.
The committee approved a motion to appoint Hillermann as a liaison to work with the citizens.
Hillermann said he would be glad to take on that duty. But he said the committee and citizens have to work with the county and MoDOT.
"Don't badmouth MoDOT. They have been very good to work with," Hillermann remarked.
Hillermann formed the city transportation committee years ago when he was mayor and the group has been successful in pushing for traffic and safety improvements throughout the area.
One of the earliest and most significant was the relocation and improvement of the Highway 100/Route KK intersection outside the city limits. That was a dangerous intersection for more than 50 years before it was improved, Hillermann pointed out.
