Citizen input works: Dougherty Ferry Bridge

The Missouri Department of Transportation will complete the final work on the $6.1 million replacement of the Dougherty Ferry Bridge over Interstate 270 about two weeks before Labor Day. This project is a wonderful example of how public input can positively impact the transportation planning process. MoDOT originally planned to include wider shoulders for this bridge reconstruction project to accommodate the needs of more experienced cyclists, but sidewalks were not part of their plan. MoDOT held an open house in January, 2006 to solicit public feedback and received many comments about adding sidewalks. Trailnet then posted an e-mail alert about this project and MoDOT received an overwhelming response requesting sidewalks. As a result, MoDOT decided to add a sidewalk to one side of the bridge!

Please join representatives of MoDOT, Trailnet and other community leaders at a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:00 am on Monday, August 20 on the west side of the bridge. To access the ceremony by car, take I-270 to Route 100 West (Manchester), take the Dougherty Ferry Road and turn left. MoDOT suggests that you consider riding your bike due to limited parking availability. Link to Google bike route map here.