Traffic Congestion Warrants Professional Design Study, Council Says

Traffic congestion was one topic of discussion that was tackled at Monday night's Sedalia City Council meeting.

A traffic study of 32nd and Limit, as well as just south of Broadway and Winchester, will be conducted by Wilson and Company, it was decided by Sedalia City Council.
Wilson and Company will make recommendations at both locations to address the congestion problem.

The study at 32nd and Limit for professional design services will cost $34,000, while the study at Winchester and Broadway (entrance to Walmart) will cost $7,945.

It was noted that relocation of the WalMart entrance is an attempt to reduce accidents, and that WalMart plans to construct a grocery pick-up area, which will further increase traffic in the area. Coordination with WalMart will be necessary to complete the project and determine the precise location of the new entrance on the west side of WalMart's lot, which is estimated to be 30 feet south of its current location.

It was further noted that the current overhead sign structure will be removed and not replaced at the new entrance. Also, property acquisition willl not be required, and all work will be confined to existing right-of-way or WalMart property.

The congestion at 32nd and Limit has been an issue for quite some time, with the proximity to Skyline Elementary, Best Western, Casey's, Domino's, O'Reilly's, Inter-State Studios, Memorial Park Cemetery, UPS, Celebration Center and traffic from nearby Smith-Cotton High School all playing a factor.

Council members approved both studies unanimously.

Public Works Director Brenda Ardrey noted in mid-March that the City's Street Department plans to reclaim Winchester Drive during the coming year from near Highway 50 to 16th Street. She noted that Winchester has several base failures and the roadway is experiencing scaling and pitting. So therefore the time is right for the relocation of the WalMart entrance, she concluded.