Jackson plans to update traffic study plan; current one dates to 2003

The city of Jackson is preparing to update its comprehensive traffic study plan, as the current one turns 13 this year.

The traffic study is an evaluation of traffic patterns and intersections the city uses to identify problematic areas and prioritize those for upgrades as needed.

During the most recent board of aldermen meeting, public-works director Rodney Bollinger said Jackson’s growth as a city had pushed the current guide from 2003 to the point of obsolescence.

“It has served us well, but quite frankly, it’s out of date,” he said, patting the existing study’s heavy binder.

“We think it’s time to give this a face-lift.”

Bollinger said it is hoped a new plan would help identify solutions to problematic “hot spots” such as East Main Street, Shawnee Boulevard and increasing traffic hurdles posed by Jackson schools as the area grows.

Alderman Dave Reminger said when the existing study was completed, the intersection at Hope and Main streets received an “F” rating, making it one of the most inefficient intersections in the city.

But with the completion of the new roundabout, he said, “that will change.”

In 2002, when the existing study was commissioned, it cost the city $100,000, said city staff engineer Erica Bogenpohl.

“But they were starting from scratch then,” she said. “So to update it, we’re hoping that it would be significantly cheaper than that.”

Although the city is in the planning stages of any study update, a likely avenue of partial funding has emerged.

The Missouri Department of Transportation offers a cost-sharing opportunity through the Traffic Engineering Assistance Program, which would cover up to 80 percent of an engineering project’s funding.

Although it will only provide up to $8,000 per project, Bollinger said that doesn’t preclude the city from doing a much larger one, as long as the city pays the difference.

“Either way, it’s better than paying out of pocket,” he said.

To be eligible under TEAP guidelines, projects must be completed by spring 2017. For the city’s project to be considered for TEAP funding, an application must be submitted before Sept. 9.

Bollinger said in the past, the Hubble Creek Recreation Trail and the to-be-completed Vera Wagner corridor project used TEAP funding. He also said the traffic study would likely be a good candidate to receive funding this year since the project pertains directly to roadway infrastructure and traffic safety.

tgraef@semissourian.com

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