MoDOT says the changes will be improvements, but one resident has already voiced concern
Community input sought for proposed roadway
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FULTON -- The Missouri Department of Transportation unveiled its Environmental Assessment of the Callaway County Connector project Tuesday night at a meeting that was held at the Callaway County Public Library in Fulton.
The new roadway would start at Route 54, just south of Fulton, and extend to the southeast toward the Ameren Nuclear Power Plant.
The assessment also recommends changes to portions of State Highway O and County Roads AD and 428, as well as the construction of a new crossing of the Auxvasse Creek.
Mike Dusenberg, MODOT's Central District project manager, said that the proposed road would be a positive asset to the community, since the current road to the power plant has a small shoulder and isn't suited for service or emergency vehicles.
However, he did note that the new road would cut through about 20 private properties that would need to be acquired for the road to be successfully completed.
Dozens of people attended Tuesday night's meeting to weigh in on the issue. A few voiced their concerns, but, overall, the meeting had a positive atmosphere.
The road could possibly cut through Ruby Sereni's yard. She said she didn't want to lose her home, and that she was mainly concerned about the safety of the new road.
"I have grandkids," she said. "The traffic is already really bad there...and I just want to make sure my grandkids are safe."
Mark Culwell also owns property where the road would be constructed.
"I think it's a positive thing," he said. "It's more work, and it's going to make the plant a little safer."
Tuesday night was the final meeting for the environmental assesment, but there are still several hoops to jump through before construction can begin.
Dusenberg said it could be several months before any road improvements start.
You can leave a comment about the proposal on MODOT's website under the Callaway Connector link until January 25th.
Click here to view the full Connector Environmental Assessment.
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