JACKSON PROVIDES GOOD LEADERSHIP FOR PROJECT

As the city of Jackson has grown, so has traffic congestion. This has become abundantly clear along a stretch of the new five-lane highway that adjoins busy stores and restaurants.

The concerns of citizens about this problem have not gone unnoticed. The city of Jackson has been carefully monitoring the situation, including the growing number of accidents along East Jackson Boulevard. With facts in hand, the city has promptly turned its study into action. That's a mark of good government: responding to city needs with reasonable dispatch.

Specifically, the city of Jackson wants the Missouri Highway and Transportation Department to install traffic signals at the intersection of Donna Drive and Highway 61 East. To that end, the city collected petitions of 2,357 people. The fact it took only a few days to collect these signatures indicates the level of local concern.

The highway department has agreed to begin a new traffic study to determine the volume of traffic along the stretch. That study should be completed in three to four weeks. It's likely this new study will affirm a need for a signal. The accident statistics alone are alarming. Of 397 vehicle accidents in the city of Jackson last year, 102 occurred along the stretch. Traffic has grown to more than 17,000 vehicles daily, according to city estimates.

Speed is not the problem along the stretch, as continued enforcement has kept average speeds around the 35 speed limit.

Assuming the highway department agrees there is a problem, how fast the signal is erected may depend entirely on funding. The price tag could begin at $15,000 for a temporary span to more than $30,000 for a permanent fixture. Jackson's participation in funding the project may be discussed at Monday night's board of alderman meeting.

Clearly, the more local funds that can be generated, the faster the project will proceed. State money is typically tied to competition with other projects and protracted timetables. Businesses along the stretch should also be called upon to participate financially in the project. Additionally, grants may be available to help foot the bill.

The city of Jackson has taken a leadership role in resolving this traffic concern. Hopefully, the city's initiative will drive this project to a timely solution.