Black Friday traffic first big test of transportation improvements

Traffic merges onto Missouri 179 from the new Missouri Boulevard ramp on Tuesday morning. Photo by Kelley McCall.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Although many motorists still are skeptical, transportation officials believe improvements to local intersections will relieve traffic congestion. And today’s Black Friday traffic may give the first evidence of which side is right.

The most notable change in transportation infrastructure is at the Missouri 179 interchange with Missouri Boulevard and U.S. 50.

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The project cost $6.5 million, and funding came from the federal stimulus act of 2009.

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JMO 2 years, 5 months ago

I don't believe there's been any "improvement" at 179. In fact, I don't know how they could have messed it up more. The lane changes are completely confusing. I don't know how there hasn't been a ton of accidents already.

newone 2 years, 5 months ago

There hasn't been a ton of accidents because it is simple after you drive it once or twice, this was probably the best improvement to JC in a long time.

nunyabidness 2 years, 5 months ago

Yes as a person who has to drive this way all the time, it's a huge improvement. Over the holiday I've noticed that, at least in my bunch, it's the older crowd that is resistant to any change and generally complain about everything under the sun that want to gripe about this. Like newone said, once you drive it once or twice and take the time to get used to it it's easier, quicker, and less congested. Or you can complain for the rest of your life, I doubt they'll change it back.

melbrooks 2 years, 5 months ago

I think it could use some additional signage, but in my opinion it's a great improvement--and it was done very quickly. There are a couple of items I could nitpick on, but overall traffic moves much more smoothly. Livefree, the volumes of traffic at that intersection could not be handled with the configuration you are describing.

I wonder how many of those who think the improvement is less than it could be took the time to comment on the project during the public input portion of the project. (By the way, it was August 12-26, 2009 according to my Google search.)

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