Warrenton city officials are planning to take action to improve pedestrian safety along North Highway 47.The two-lane highway has no sidewalks and only a 1- to 2-foot shoulder. Pedestrians regularly walk along the road, causing frequent complaints about near misses with vehicles.City officials met with representatives of the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Jan. 9 to discuss plans to eventually build a sidewalk along the roadway. Dozens of residents attended the meeting to voice their concerns.MoDOT Area Engineer Erik Maninga said the agency will conduct traffic studies along Highway 47, and is considering installing a traffic light at Fairgrounds Road.“The big issue along (Highway) 47 is that we have a narrow strip of right of way,” Maninga said. “So with a 12-foot lane, 1- to 2-foot shoulder, ditch and 6-foot utility corridor, there isn’t room for a sidewalk without obtaining more right of way.”In response to that concern, local veterinarian Dr. William Tappmeyer volunteered to donate a quarter-mile right of way of his land along the highway.“I drive (Highway) 47 all the time, and those people are always putting their life in their hands walking there,” Tappmeyer said.“I thought maybe a donation might spur interest and get the ball rolling.”Tappmeyer said it is encouraging that people are working on a solution to the issue.Following the meeting, Warrenton city officials have developed a series of actions to improve safety and begin planning for construction along Highway 47.Effective immediately, the Warrenton Police Department has stepped up traffic enforcement in the area, officials said. City staff also are enlisting an engineering firm to determine the full costs of an infrastructure project. That includes determining how many right of way easements still need to be secured.In the future, the city will begin encouraging property owners to consider donating more easements for the project, according to the city’s action plan. Staff also will seek state funding grants to assist with the cost of the project.Mayor Eric Schleuter said if the city builds sidewalks and then MoDOT decides to widen the road, MoDOT has committed to replacing the sidewalks as part of the cost of the project.Warren County Ambulance District Administrator Ralph Hellebusch said fortunately there have not been many calls for pedestrians injured along Highway 47, although safety advocates worry that could change at any time.With vehicles driving the road at 45 mph, Hellebusch said, “if somebody does get hit, they’re going to get hurt.”Even walking along the edge of the road or in the adjacent ditch could lead to unforeseen injuries from stumbling on the uneven ground, he added.Sidewalk