Dear Editor:
I would like to address the lack of a median barrier along 54 from Holts Summit to Jefferson City.
I realize MoDOT has priorities, but when lives are lost and hazardous materials escape it is time to rethink priorities.
We have tried for years to get ramps on the north side of the first overpass to the Holts Summit community.
I believe those ramps would have aided in getting emergency vehicles to the area more quickly.
More importantly, the barrier we need from Jefferson City to Holts Summit would probably have saved the lives of those youngsters.
Saying people have to drive safer is a rather stupid statement. The terrain in the area of the curve is such that any loss of control takes you across the median into oncoming traffic.
There is a cable barrier along 63 from Columbia to Jefferson City. Why is there nothing comparable between Jefferson City and Holts Summit? I think at the curve itself, a European-style concrete barrier might be a better idea in that area. It would keep southwest-bound traffic coming down the hill from going across the median.
I agree that bridges are important for safety; Missouri has many of them. I have less of an understanding for the huge amount of work going in to the approach to Jefferson City from the east along 50/63.
I think MoDOT's work along I-70 placing barriers to prevent median crossovers is commendable.
Issue-oriented letters to [email protected] are welcome. All letters should be limited to 400 words in length; longer letters may be edited to conform to the specified length. The author's name must appear with the letter, and the name, address and phone number provided for verification. Letters that cannot be verified by telephone will not be published.