Columbia organization is asking MoDOT for emergency vehicle road during I-70 construction
Alison Patton
COLUBMIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The U.S. Exercise Tiger Foundation is worried that the demolition of the St. Charles Road overpass and closure of a surrounding outer road could increase response times for emergency services.
Executive Director Susan Haines is proposing that the Missouri Department of Transportation construct a road that is only for emergency-vehicle access.
“We’re advocating that they build a 70-foot what we call emergency vehicle only bypass that would allow emergency vehicles to the I-70 corridor here for all the residents and businesses in this particular area,” Haines said.
Haines is concerned that emergency response times will increase because drivers will have to navigate around the closed I-70 Drive Southeast and avoid the St. Charles overpass, which will be closed for about four months once demolished.
At a press conference Thursday, Project Director Jeff Gander said MoDOT has been in touch with emergency response agencies.
“I know that there’s a concern that we have the southeast outer road closed at the same time that we are closing the St. Charles bridge, and while that will add response time to our EMS, it’s kind of a necessary evil,” Gander said.
ABC 17 News spoke with the Columbia Fire Chief Brian Schaefer on Thursday. He said the department is confident the closures and construction won’t disrupt responses.
“Everybody feels confident that we are going to be able to meet our goals to all of the areas without any significant change,” Schaeffer said.
Also said he would be willing to speak with MoDOT should they want to address accessibility and increase public safety.