"Our goal is to have as many people as possible participate in our process. We know that people across the state are interested in the idea of truck-only lanes. We also know that it isn't always easy or possible to go to a standard public meeting," said MoDOT Project Manager Bob Brendel. "In the spring we posted a video about truck-only lanes on YouTube, and more than 7,600 people watched it. Building on that experience we thought it was appropriate to conduct our next round of meetings electronically. We need and want public input. We want to make sure that our final plan is not only smart from an engineering standpoint, but also that it truly reflects the values and priorities of the taxpayers who support our transportation system."
The truck-only lane concept is being evaluated in comparison to widening I-70 to a minimum of six lanes across Missouri. The idea of separating long-haul trucks from everyday traffic has come out of public input on I-70, along with a national emphasis on creating greater efficiencies for the farms, stores and businesses that depend on trucks to ship their goods.
Those who prefer to talk with MoDOT representatives in person rather than electronically will have that opportunity via three listening stations scheduled across the state September 9-10. The listening stations will take place at the following locations, times and dates:
- O'Fallon--Wentville-Middendorf-Kredell Library, 2750 Hwy. K; 4-6 p.m., Sept. 9
- Columbia--Columbia Public Library, 100 W. Broadway; 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Sept. 10
- Oak Grove--Petro Truck Stop, 301 SW 1st St.; 4-6 p.m., Sept. 10
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