LETTERS: GIVEN THE FATALITIES, INJURIES AND POOR DESIGN, HIGHWAY 34 NEEDS A MAJOR UPGRADE

To the editor:

I am in strong disagreement with your editorial position on Highway 34 as printed in your paper April 3.

I would agree that improvements around Marble Hill, Piedmont and Jackson should be given consideration for early construction. However, your conclusion that a major upgrading isn't justified is not credible.

Have you considered the fatalities on this road? The curves and grades in many places do not meet the current design standards required for highways. According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, there have been 17 fatal accidents on Highway 34 in Wayne, Bollinger and Cape Girardeau counties since 1995. There were eight fatal accidents in Wayne County, five in Bollinger County and four in Cape Girardeau County.

Have you considered what would happen if you were forced off the pavement while traveling Highway 34? There are many miles where you do not have an adequate shoulder to escape to.

Do you realize there have been 565 accidents with injuries on Highway 34 since 1995 in Cape Girardeau and Bollinger counties alone?

Have you considered those who drive Routes A, U and H to the area south of Marble Hill from Cape and Jackson?

Have you considered those who drive to St. Louis and use I-44 to get to Springfield and west?

Have you considered the cost to the traveling public for the extra miles and extra time required using functionally obsolete highways?

Have you considered the increased accessibility to education at Southeast Missouri State University with a shorter, safer route?

Have you considered the increase in the use of medical facilities and the increase in retail business if there was a decent route into Cape Girardeau from the Wayne County area?

I agree this will be an expensive project, and Missouri has not chosen to provide the necessary funding for all the needed projects. But to say that "a major upgrading isn't justified" is, in my opinion, totally erroneous.

On April 4 your editorial stated that Missouri would lose $460 million a year if the 4.3-cent federal fuel tax were eliminated. According to U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson's office, Missouri would lose $460 million over two years. I wonder if your research on Highway 34 is as detailed, in depth and accurate as your editorial on the lost revenue.

L.H. Payne

Cape Girardeau