Setback for Proposed Second Overpass in Warrenton

Posted 11/7/19

By Chris OrletRecord Managing EditorThe city of Warrenton’s plan for a second Interstate 70 overpass received a setback Monday when the full membership of the Boonslick Regional Planning Commission …

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Setback for Proposed Second Overpass in Warrenton

Posted

By Chris OrletRecord Managing EditorThe city of Warrenton’s plan for a second Interstate 70 overpass received a setback Monday when the full membership of the Boonslick Regional Planning Commission voted not to raise the project’s rating from medium to high priority.City officials asked the commission to move the overpass for the enhanced rating in order to increase their chances of funding from the Missouri Department of Transportation. The full membership, in a vote Monday, rejected the request. The Transportation Advisory Council ratings are presented to MoDOT. Only projects rated high priority are considered by MoDOT, though they are not guaranteed funding.Warrenton Mayor Jerry Dyer said the city would review its options. He said city officials would be meeting with the MoDOT district engineer soon to discuss the city’s options. “We’ll put our heads together and see whether we should postpone things or come up with alternatives.”The city has proposed a second interchange along I-70 approximately 2.1 miles west of the current Highway 47 interchange. The city would need to raise half of the estimated $15 million to build the new interchange, with the other half of the funding to be provided by MoDOT. The city has proposed a taxing district to fund its half of the cost.A transportation advisory council, made up of 26 members representing the counties of Warren, Lincoln and Montgomery, voted on Sept. 4 not to raise the rating. According to Boonslick Regional Planning Commission Interim Director Chuck Eichmeyer. The TAC looks at projects on a need basis and does not take other factors, like cost, into account. The needs are rated high, medium and low.“Forty-six needs were identified this year by the council,” said Eichmeyer.When the ratings come back the TAC gives its recommendation to the Boonslick Regional Planning Commission Executive Committee, which in turn gives its recommendation to the full membership.As for the taxing district, Dyer said that there wouldn’t be much point going ahead with the district under present circumstances. A judge is expected to rule on the legality of the district by the end of September. Eichmeyer said Warrenton officials could petition to have the overpass rated a high priority next year.Setback for Proposed Second Overpass in Warrenton


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