The Rolla City Council recently approved a City Ordinance with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) that will result in a big improvement along the Kingshighway Interchange with Interstate 44. These improvements, which will begin this summer 2011, will cause some traffic delays and detours due to construction. We will keep you posted regarding exact construction dates and traffic detour information.
Originally slated for 2012, the project could begin by MoDOT as early as June 2011. These improvements will consist of the installation of two roundabouts, which will greatly improve the capacity and safety of these heavily traveled intersections. The current traffic signals at the Martin Springs Drive intersection will be removed and replaced with a roundabout, and the second roundabout will be located on the north side of the Kingshighway/I-44 overpass. This configuration is commonly referred to as a ‘dog bone’ design because of the location of the roundabouts at both ends of the highway. The estimated cost of these improvements is $1,760,051. The improvements are part of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan, which will be funded by MoDOT.
In addition to these improvements, the City of Rolla will be responsible next year, (as MoDOT relinquishes ownership to the City for Kingshighway) for widening Kingshighway from three to five lanes from the Martin Springs Drive/Kingshighway interchange (adjacent to HJ Drive) to the new Bryant Drive/Kingshighway Intersection. This will be done in 2012 and is estimated to cost $250,000.
Also planned is the relocation of the traffic signal currently at the intersection of Kingshighway and Fairgrounds Road to the intersection of Kingshighway and Bryant Drive by MoDOT. The new signals, which will be funded by MoDOT at an estimated cost of $161,151, are currently being installed in conjunction with the Bryant Drive extension improvements that began last fall.
Bryant Drive (located next to Pizza Inn and the Sylvan Learning Center), is being extended between the Fairgrounds Auto Dealership and the new McDonald’s Restaurant north to Fairgrounds Road. These improvements will also provide one of the gateway entrances to the new Innovation Park being developed by Missouri S&T. These significant improvements to Kingshighway and the new Bryant Drive extension will greatly enhance traffic flow and safety, and create a more welcoming, attractive appearance for visitors coming off I-44. The improvements will also send a message to future developers, investors and businesses/industries that Rolla is a progressive City planning for its future growth and prosperity.
Looking toward next week, I would like to remind you of two community events that will be held next Friday, April 22, which happens to be Earth Day. The 10th Annual Rolla Earth Day Celebration will be held Friday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside the Missouri S&T Gale Bullman Multi-Purpose Building at 10th Street and State Route 63. Last year, approximately 1,500 children and adults attended the event. This year’s theme is: Live Green, Love Green, Think Green. The Rolla Earth Day Celebration is a free event that includes children’s activities, educational exhibits, live music, a fashion show with items made from recycled materials, and more. The event will take place rain or shine. For more information, please contact Julie Wilson at 341-4262 or wilsonjulie@mst.edu.
Also scheduled for Friday, April 22 is the Healthy Yards For Clear Streams FREE seminar that will be held at The Centre (1200 N. Holloway Street) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Join us for this free program! No registration is necessary! The Healthy Yards for Clear Streams program is an educational effort to help landowners and businesses become more environmentally responsible with lawn landscape practices. This year's program is your Earth Day connection!
And remember that the Rolla Sesquicentennial T-shirts and commemorative posters are available for purchase ($12 and $2 each) at Rolla City Hall (901 N. Elm Street); The Centre (1200 N. Holloway Street) and the University Book and Supply Store (1107 N. Pine Street).
Have a safe week!
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