Jackson commissions study of traffic needs

Jackson officials have recognized that the fast-growing community is feeling the pains of traffic congestion that accompany rapid development of housing and business areas.

For years, the Missouri Department of Transportation has considered ways to ease the flow of highway traffic that currently funnels into Jackson Boulevard. A bypass of Highway 34-72 traffic has been looked at, but the latest MoDOT plan calls for widening of Jackson Boulevard from one end of town to the other.

Last year, the city's Street Priority Committee studied 18 key street projects considered crucial to Jackson's current needs and future growth. Out of that committee came the recommendation to hire a consultant.

As a result, a St. Louis company will be paid $100,000 to collect existing data from MoDOT and other agencies that have made numerous traffic studies in Jackson. Then it will make its own recommendations.

One of the biggest challenges will be balancing the needs of residents and businesses against those of highway motorists who simply want to get through Jackson. So far, years of effort haven't produced a plan satisfactory for both.