New Franklin Viaduct in jeopardy
MoDOT wants to remove the bridge entirely, at an estimated cost of $1.3 million, and put the highway on the ground, presumably crossing the Katy Trail at an at-grade crossing. In short, taxpayers will end up paying megabucks to accomplish nothing, while removing an historic landmark and decreasing safety for users of the Katy Trail. What a deal!
I would argue that MoDOT could better spend that $1.3 million as a down payment for a bypass of New Franklin, removing heavy traffic from the aging viaduct, while also eliminating the unsafe four-way stop and sharp turn on Highway 5 in the middle of town. Or, if a bypass isn't viable, then at least the highway could be routed along the ground next to the viaduct, while the bridge is preserved for foot traffic in conjunction with the Katy Trail.
A petition is circulating in New Franklin to save the viaduct. After witnessing the ongoing fiasco with another nearby Katy Trail landmark, the Boonville Railroad Bridge, maybe residents can nip this foolhardy plan in the bud.