JEFFERSON CITY – As part of the ongoing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for adding an additional lane on Interstate 70 across Missouri, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is seeking public input for a section of interstate in Cooper County. In 2005, an Environmental Assessment (EA) was completed, and the 200 miles of I-70 was broken down into seven Tier II Sections of Independent Study (SIU). These sections were evaluated in 2004-2006 and re-evaluations are ongoing for the Improve I-70 projects across the state. This SIU 3 re-evaluation ranges from a western terminus at mile marker 99 (west of Route 5) in Cooper County to an eastern terminus at Route BB (Exit 115) in Boone County for a total length of approximately 16 miles
SIU 3 project design has progressed, resulting in some minor changes from the original NEPA documents and MoDOT is asking for the public’s input to the project and its anticipated impacts. The original impacts at mile marker 100 were described as a removal and replacement of the bridge on the Katy Trail over I-70, requiring a temporary closure of the structure and a detour via U.S. Route 40, Dunkles Drive and Prairie Lick Road. With the current design, MoDOT is anticipating similar bridge reconstruction impacts to the original 2005 EA, but the impacts to right of way on the Katy Trail will be reduced from the previous analysis.
The NEPA re-evaluation impacts a Section 4(f) property: the Katy Trail. Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966 (49 USC 303) protects publicly owned parks, recreations areas, wildlife refuges, waterfowl refuges and significant historic and archeological resources.
In compliance with Section 4(f) and its implementing regulations codified at 23 CFR Part 774, the Federal Highway Administration, in cooperation with MoDOT, provides public notice of its proposal to retain the Section 4(f) de minimis effect determination on the Katy Trail; and to provide the opportunity for public review and comment of this proposed determination.
Those interested in providing comments or reviewing previously completed documents, including the NEPA re-evaluation, may do so by visiting www.modot.org/improvei70/tier-ii-section-3. The comment period will be open for 30 days beginning on Monday, Aug. 12, until Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.
For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, signup for e-updates.
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