Traffic plan gets high marks from committee

Members of an advisory committee lauded the draft of the Jackson Comprehensive Traffic Study after a presentation by engineers Thursday night at City Hall.

Committee members Capt. Robert Hull, Jackson's interim police chief, fire chief Brad Golden and schools superintendent Dr. Ron Anderson all had praise for the report.

Golden called the study "visionary."

The city, struggling with traffic problems, contracted with the St. Louis firm of Crawford, Bunte, Brammeier to conduct the $100,000 study. It has produced five short-term recommendations that could be completed in five years and another 16 long-term projects, most of which contribute to completing a circumferential artery to move traffic around the city.

Some suggestions already are being acted on.

The total cost of the projects is a staggering $33 million. "We fully realize the city of Jackson isn't going to be able to pay these costs," said Doug Shatto, the company's vice president.

That is why the engineers prioritized the recommendations and provided information about alternative sources of funding.

The final version of the 100-page study will be presented to the Jackson Board of Aldermen at its meeting Feb. 3.

Mayor Paul Sander said he expects the board to study the recommendations in depth before considering their adoption in late March or early April.

City administrator Jim Roach said copies of the plan will be available for the public to view at City Hall and at the Jackson City Library.

sblackwell@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182