Mel Kallal
Jefferson City
Dear Editor:
I have never felt comfortable with the Dunklin/Clark/Whitton Expressway interchanges. While the black protective Whitton Overpass fences serve a purpose, they are too high and restrict visibility. If you have been spared an accident in this corridor, count your blessings. On a positive note, the "lemons" in the Clark corridor need to be converted to lemonade.
Jefferson City engineers advise that roundabout costs, including maintenance, are a bit less than traffic signals and roundabouts, being constructed of concrete, are more durable.
There may be some good news. First, the city has started a purchase option for a building at the Dunklin corner which would use a roundabout to smooth the intersection with Clark, so no need for a signal. Second, a concept has been developed to address traffic congestion at Miller, Elm, Clark and the Expressway with no traffic signals. Third, the design reduces the visibility problem with the overpass fences.
City officials released an engineering drawing shown in the News Tribune this week. This old codger believes this concept deserves serious consideration. Rex Whitton might be proud.