MoDOT needs to update environmental study for I-70 expansion. Here’s how to comment
As the Missouri Department of Transportation continues the process for widening Interstate 70 to six lanes across the entire state, it needs to reevaluate an environmental assessment in Cooper County.
The state is taking public comments on the National Environmental Policy Act reevaluation an previously completed environmental study documents for the next month.
MoDOT is taking comments online through the Improve I-70 Tier II Section 3 website now through Sept. 12.
The section in question is in Cooper County from east of Boonville to the Union Pacific Railroad, known as SIU 3.
The comments can help MoDOT update the 2005 environmental assessment when I-70 was broken down into seven Tier II sections for independent study. The sections were evaluated over 2004-2006 and reevaluations are ongoing for Improve I-70.
There were some minor changes in SIU 3 from the original NEPA document, which is why MoDOT is seeking public comments.
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, MoDOT said in a news release.
More information is available by calling MoDOT customer service at 1-888-275-6636 or via the MoDOT website.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Improve I-70 environmental study needs updates, public comments taken
#MoDOT #update #environmental #study #I70 #expansion #Heres #comment