Public unanimously votes for 40′ option on Hwy. 6

Seventy-eight people turned out for the public hearing on Route 6 held at the Gallatin High School library on July 6. Those attending were asked to express their opinion about the width of the shoulders for the route. One plan called for a 40′ wide roadbed, all new alignment, at a cost of $7.8 million. The other plan called for a 32′ wide roadbed, partial new alignment, at a cost of $5.9 million. According to Wesley K. Moore, transportation project manager out of St. Joseph, the public unanimously preferred the option with a 40′ roadbed, 8′ wide paved shoulders, all constructed on new alignment, and three new bridges. Mr. Moore added that MoDOT’s Northwest District will recommend to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission that the 40′ option be constructed. The transcript of the hearing is anticipated to be on the MHTC consent agenda for approval at their meeting on Sept. 13. Comments received before July 20 will be included in the transcript. MoDOT plans to open bids for the project in January 2007 and have construction completed by December 2007.