Pacific MO calls for pedestrian access on new bridge; county balks and calls demands "outrageous" | emissourian.com

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Myers said the Magi Foundation had been in talks with Franklin County to save the Old Bridge as a safe pedestrian crossing of the Meramec River but that had not been successful. He said a state law stipulates that if a known crossing is desired that provides safe crossing in the construction of a new bridge the builder must comply.

Bates amended his motion to stipulate that MoDOT require Franklin County to include the state-required pedestrian crossing on the new bridge.

Griesheimer called the demand outrageous.

He said approved pavement plans for the bridge include a 2-foot buffer on each side of the vehicle lanes on the new bridge, which could be adjusted to create a narrow walkway. The bridge could be striped to allow a 3-foot pedestrian path on one side.

“We told them months ago that we’d be willing to do that,” Griesheimer said.

Myers said he was not aware that the county had agreed to create a 3-foot pedestrian lane but it didn’t matter because safety regulations call for bridge pedestrian lanes to be 6 feet wide.

MoBikeFed comment: It is always unfortunate when a new bridge is built without considering needed bicycle and pedestrian access. This bridge is immediately adjacent to populated areas in the city of Pacific. If it is built without pedestrian access it will most likely remain that way for the next 50 to 100 years.

If you would like to support the City of Pacific in requesting pedestrian access on this brand new bridge, contact information is below.

Most important contacts: Judy Wagner (MoDOT) - John Griesheimer (Franklin County) - Jeffrey Palmore (City of Pacific)

MODOT

Judy Wagner, P.E.
Franklin/Jefferson County Area Engineer
Office: (314) 453-5021
Cell: (314) 565-5285
Email: judy.wagner@modot.mo.gov

FRANKLIN COUNTY

Presiding Commissioner John Griesheimer
636 583-6359
636 583-6358 Main
jgriesheimer@franklinmo.net

Commissioner Tim Brinker
636 583-6358
636-583-6360
tbrinker@franklinmo.net

Commissioner Jeff Maune
636 583-6358
jmaune@franklinmo.net

Contact all County Commissioners at: commission@franklinmo.net

CITY OF PACIFIC

MAYOR
Jeffrey M. Palmore
300 Hoven Drive
636.271.0500 ext. 212
jpalmore@pacificmissouri.com

ALDERMAN WARD I
Mike Bates
410 West Walnut Street
636.541.4362
ward1@pacificmissouri.com

ALDERMAN WARD I
Nicholas Chlebowski
749 N. Columbus
314.560.1687
ward1@pacificmissouri.com

ALDERMAN WARD II
Steve Myers
2102 Peace Pipe Road
314.974.7446
Myersbillboardservice@charter.net

ALDERMAN WARD II
Carol Johnson
1515 W. Pacific, Apt. 203
314.221.5919

ALDERMAN WARD III
Mike Pigg
44 Cedar Ridge
314.707.2017
ward3@pacificmissouri.com

ALDERMAN WARD III
Heather Filley
6683 Eagle Rock
314.578.5143
Heatherfilleyward3@gmail.com

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