KBIA Local
(2010-02-15)
JEFFERSON CITY, MO
(KBIA) -
A proposed parkway would widen the Whitton Expressway to six lanes in Jefferson City. The City Council proposed this alternative last night (Monday) after hearing opposition from various community members about a plan by the Missouri Department of Transportation to build an overpass at Madison Street. Engineer Roger Schwartz says MoDOT studied the viability of both plans but decided not to recommend the parkway."It had a larger footprint, so there was more property needed. And it had a much higher cost, and so that was really the two factors that caused it not to be recommended."
Attorney Darryl Driver spoke on behalf of Johnson's Barber and Beauty Shop, in opposition to the overpass. Driver says the shop was displaced in 1962 when the city enacted a similar plan. Driver says if this overpass plan is approved, the shop would have to move again.
"If you keep taking the businesses away from these communities, you leave future generations in the dark as to seeing their capabilities. You know, often times, these businesses set the examples for other kids."
MoDOT is taking comments about the plan until February 22. At the end fo that time, the plan will be presented to the Federal Highway Administration.
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