Update: Public Meeting on April 17
Where: Parkville, Platte County
(Route 45 is also known as NW 64th Street and/or Tom Watson Parkway)
What: Highway widening
Who: Missouri Department of Transportation
Background:
MoDOT is planning to widen Route 45 (also known as NW 64th Street or Tom Watson Parkway) between Route 9 and I-435. Route 45 serves an a major east/west arterial street across the Northland. Since the Northland lacks good east/west connections, this corridor is even more important for cyclists and pedestrians. The current four lane segment between I-29 and Route 9 includes the Southern Platte Pass, a paved multi-use trail that parallels the road.
The Plan:
Right now MoDOT is planning for a high-speed four lane arterial without any shoulder, wide lane, or bike lane. They want to put up signs saying “Bicyclists allowed use of full lane” - but this is inappropriate for the speeds and traffic anticipated on this road. They also plan for a sidewalk/trail one side of the road, but the path will alternate sides and force pedestrians to cross the highway multiple times.
Bicycle Considerations:
The Northland Trails Vision Plan calls for expansion of the multi-use trail along Route 45, and it should be built in conjunction with the road widening. Experienced cyclists and bicycle commuters also need an on-street facility in the form of a bike lane or shared-use lane.
Desired Outcome for Bicyclists and Pedestrians:
- Extension of Southern Platte Pass trail on one side of the highway
- Sidewalk on the other side
- On-street bike route in the form of a striped bike lane, wide outside lane, or full shoulder.
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