JEFFERSON CITY, MO. -- Jefferson City Mayor John Landwehr is among those who have recognized the value of a trans-river predestination thoroughfare to the local tourism economy.
"It's a great day for our community. It's an amenity that generations will enjoy,” Landwehr said.
State and local officials broke ground Wednesday morning on the attachment to the Missouri River Bridge at Jefferson City that will allow pedestrians and bicyclists to cross the river safely.
"We have people from all over Missouri, all over the country, and literally, all over the world who come to Missouri and visit communities up and down the trail,” Missouri State Parks Director Bill Bryan said.
The attachment means hikers and bikers can get to the KATY Trail State Park on the north side of the river without getting into a car, or otherwise taking a chance on getting hit.
Federal funds will cover 80 percent of the cost. Money from Missouri Department of Natural Resource, Jefferson City, and the Missouri State Parks Foundation will cover the other twenty percent.
"This $6.7 million project will allow safer travel and a more convenient way for people to get across the river from the KATY Trail to downtown and beyond,” MoDOT District Engineer Roger Schwartze said.
City officials lobbied for a structure on the downriver side of the double bridge. That will give users an unobstructed view of the capitol and other points of interest along the riverfront.
Pedestrian pathways have been designed into all new Missouri River Bridges, but were not part of the design for the northbound bridge at Jefferson City.
"Probably a mistake on MoDOT's part, 20 years ago when we built the bridge, we didn't put it there,” Interim MoDOT Director Kevin Keith said.
The schedule calls for the pedestrian bridge attachment to be finished and open for traffic a year from now.
MoDOT said motorist can expect traffic restrictions and the closure of the main street northbound access ramp during the construction period.
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