Warrenton city officials are adamant that it is only a matter of time before someone walking along North Highway 47 is struck by a vehicle.They are addressing the matter, raised by elected officials and pedestrians who have had close calls in the past, by sending a letter to MoDOT’s top brass to ensure the state agency is aware of the safety concerns.The current two-lane highway has no sidewalks and has little room for pedestrians to walk other than a 1- to 2-foot shoulder area. The city would like to see sidewalks constructed between McGee Avenue, which is north of First State Community Bank, and Hickory Lick Road.The letter, signed by Mayor Eric Schleuter and all six aldermen, is addressed to MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna. A copy also is being sent to Paula Gough, MoDOT Northeast District engineer, and Erik Maninga, area engineer.The board voted unanimously in support of sending the letter at its April 19 meeting.“We have seen a very large increase of people walking down from the northern city limits in dark clothing at night,” Schleuter said. “Police officers trying to give escorts to people just because they don’t want them hit. It’s a major concern we have.”City officials met with Maninga March 16 about the possibility of having sidewalks added to the area on North 47 north of Interstate 70.During the discussion it was learned that it is not possible for sidewalks to be added within the existing MoDOT right of way, which consists of 30 feet on each side of the road and includes up to 14 feet of the driving surface and shoulder area.In order to add sidewalks, the city would be forced to purchase additional right of way from adjacent landowners who have opposed the idea in the past, Warrenton officials said.That would be a costly endeavor due to the potential of Highway 47 being expanded in the future and having the sidewalks torn out for the expansion.MoDOT officials noted any time frame related to the highway expansion is unknown and would only be feasible if there is an increase in transportation funding or another entity outside of MoDOT funds the project. In the meantime, city officials hope the letter grabs MoDOT’s attention and is a reassurance to residents they are attempting to end what is described as a “growing danger.”“It seems like we have always been in position where the state basically says we don’t have any money, we’re not going to do anything, or the board says we would like to do something but as soon as we do it, it will be torn up so what is the point?” Ward 2 Alderman Gary Auch commented.“We feel like this somehow, in my opinion, will have to be addressed over the next few years. We have to get their attention that this is an issue.”City of Warrenton