In every Legislative district, Regional Planning Commissions play a large part in establishing priorities for highway improvements.  MoDOT’s first obligation is maintenance of roads and bridges but when money becomes available, projects are considered based on the local Regional Planning Commissions’ recommendations.  One local project in the planning stages is the improvement of traffic flow on Hwy 50 adjacent to State Technical College at Linn.

Thursday evening MoDOT hosted a public meeting in the Osage Community Center to introduce preliminary designs for a new project.  The current design includes widening the highway with additional turning lanes and two sets of synchronized traffic lights. The project is focused on the intersections of Hwy 50/Route CC and Hwy 50/Technology Drive. The cost according to one of the engineers is estimated to be about $2.5 million.  Verbal and written comments were accepted at the meeting and will continue to be collected by email and on MoDOT’s website until June 30th.  The project completion date is projected prior to the start of school in the Fall of ’24.

Thursday evening was also the regularly scheduled Village Council meeting in Argle.  Most of our rural communities face the same challenges, sewer, water, streets, a continuous shortage of sufficient funds, candidates to fill vacancies, and finding cures for cleaning up those eyesores that often inhibit growth.  The village council recognizes their community could benefit from the development of the Rock Island Trail State Park.

While many of us find comfort in the status quo, change is inevitable and probably necessary.   Embracing change also brings opportunity and the goal of change should always be to improve our quality of life.  Whether, it’s a new highway or a trail, and our office is always willing to help you navigate any negative impacts change may cause.  My email is Bruce.Sassmann@house.mo.gov or call Jill at 573-751-6668.