City Makes Payment for Route V Project
June 28, 2011

Chillicothe City Council members approved the routine payment of invoices when they gathered for their regular council meeting Monday evening at City Hall, but the invoices were anything but typical. On the schedule of payments to be approved was $1.2 million from the city's permanent street fund to be paid to the director of revenue for city’s portion in the Route V project.

The project is estimated to cost $3.7 million and will involve closing down the Route V/Bridge Street bridge over the IC&E railroad tracks on the east side of town and building a new bridge on Polk Street (north of the existing bridge) to better handle Route V traffic. In order to do so, the existing Polk Street would be extended east to hook up with Route V.

The City of Chillicothe is providing $1.5 million for the project (which includes $300,000 in STP Urban federal funds that already are designated for Chillicothe) and the state is funding the rest, expected to be around $2.2 million.

With the payment made, the Missouri Department of Transportation will plan to start negotiations with property owners for land to be used for the project. Contracts are expected to be awarded in September 2012 and the state plans to have the project completed by December 2013.

The Route V project has been in the works for quite some time, and the council had approved the city's funding portion during an earlier meeting.

Route V Project Advances
June 14, 2011

The Missouri Department of Transportation plans to start negotiations next month with property owners for land that will be used in the Route V/Polk Street realignment project in Chillicothe.

The City of Chillicothe is providing $1.5 million for the project (which includes $300,000 in STP Urban federal funds that already are designated for Chillicothe) and the state is funding the rest, expected to be around $2.2 million.

Laurel McKean, transportation project manager for MoDOT, who was present at Monday night's Chillicothe City Council meeting, told the council members that the state's schedule is to begin negotiations once they receive the city's funds (by July 1) and that contracts will be awarded in September 2012. The state's plan is to have the project completed by December 2013.

The project is estimated to cost $3.7 million and will involve closing down the Route V/Bridge Street bridge over the IC&E railroad tracks on the east side of town and building a new bridge on Polk Street (north of the existing bridge) to better handle Route V traffic. In order to do so, the existing Polk Street would be extended on east to hook up with Route V.

Seven homes are expected to be affected by the new road construction and will be purchased by MoDOT and eventually demolished, McKean said.

Constructing a direct route would eliminate issues involving sight limitations, multiple levels of gradation and sharp turns, city officials say. Currently, motorists traveling Polk Street who want to connect with Route V must travel on Broadway and Bridge streets and navigate a series of 90-degree turns.

Route V on City Agenda
June 13, 2011

The City of Chillicothe is moving ahead in a partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation to demolish the old wooden bridge on Bridge Street and build a new one on Polk Street.

The project is estimated to cost $3.7 million and will involve closing down the Route V/Bridge Street bridge over the IC&E railroad tracks on the east side of town and building a new bridge on Polk Street (north of the existing bridge) to better handle Route V traffic. In order to do so, the existing Polk Street would be extended on east to hook up with Route V. The city's share of the project will be 40 percent with a $1.5 million cap, according to the agreement signed by the city and MoDOT.

The city will continue preparations for the project when council members gather for their regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. tonight (Monday) in the council chambers at City Hall. The council will consider a supplemental cost share agreement with MoDOT, which allows the city to use the $300,000 STP Urban federal funds that already are designated for Chillicothe. The remaining $1.2 million will be payable by July 1, 2011, and will come out of the city's permanent street fund budget.

Up to eight houses are expected to be affected by the new road construction. They will be purchased by MoDOT and eventually demolished.

Chillicothe Transportation Director Hugh Musselman said a direct route would eliminate issues involving sight limitations, multiple levels of gradation and sharp turns. Currently, motorists traveling Polk Street who want to connect with Route V must travel on Broadway and Bridge streets and navigate a series of 90-degree turns.

C-T Photo/Laura Schuler
May 12, 2009

CAPTION: The old wooden bridge stretching over the IC&E railroad tracks on Bridge Street will be closed down and demolished and a new bridge will be built on Polk Street (north of the existing bridge) to better handle Route V traffic. The Chillicothe City Council approved a partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation Monday night for the project, which is estimated to cost $3.7 million. The city's portion of the project will be 40 percent, with a $1.5 million cap. The project is slated for 2011.

Route V to Be Realigned
$3.7 million plan will build new bridge, extend Polk St.

The City of Chillicothe has entered into a partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation to demolish the old wooden bridge on Bridge Street and build a new one on Polk Street. The project is estimated to cost $3.7 million and will involve closing down the Route V/Bridge Street bridge over the IC&E railroad tracks on the east side of town and building a new bridge on Polk Street (north of the existing bridge) to better handle Route V traffic. In order to do so, the existing Polk Street would be extended on east to hook up with Route V.

The city's share of the project will be 40 percent with a $1.5 million cap, according to the agreement unanimously approved by Chillicothe City Council members Monday night. The state would absorb any cost overruns, according to Dan Niec, MoDOT district engineer, who was on hand at the meeting to explain the project and field questions.

Up to eight houses will be affected by the new road construction, Niec said, adding that the next step will be for MoDOT to meet with property owners in the area.

Street Superintendent Hugh Musselman said a direct route would eliminate issues involving sight limitations, multiple levels of gradation and sharp turns. Currently, motorists traveling Polk Street who want to connect with Route V must travel on Broadway and Bridge streets and navigate a series of 90-degree turns.