TAC reports 4 top-priority road projects in Saline County

A new set of transportation priorities for Saline County includes four needs, according to county Pioneer Regional Trails Planning Commission documents released by Transportation Advisory Council member Dale Zank.

--State Highway 20 between Marshall and Higginsville. The road is a main route for people commuting to work, carries significant truck traffic, serves as an alternative to Interstate 70 and is used by bicyclists and pedestrians. "The shoulders of this road are in less than good condition and the road is beginning to show the effects of 40 years of heavy use," according to the report.

--State Highway 41 between Marshall and I-70. This part of the road is used as a relief route in cases where an emergency blocks traffic on I-70. It is also a major farm-to-market route and is used by tourists traveling to Arrow Rock. "The shoulders on this road are non-existent in many areas and there are very narrow bridges that make travel scary for senior travelers. This road needs upgraded shoulders and wider bridges," according to the report.

--State Highway 127 from U.S. Highway 65 to state Highway 20. This stretch of road provides access to the Mid-Missouri Ethanol plant in Malta Bend.

The trucks and truck traffic are both heavier than the road's original farm-to-market design accounted for, according to the report.

--Left-turn lane on U.S. 65 at the intersection with Route H. "Other less-heavily traveled crossovers have (turn lanes), but this heavily traveled intersection does not," according to the report.

The report also includes an endorsement of the Missouri Department of Transportation's planned demonstration project on I-70, widening the highway to allow separation of truck and car traffic.