Webb City's Official concerns on Forward 44 interstate projects

JASPER COUNTY, Mo.- In a bold push for better highway infrastructure, the initiative known as Forward 44 seeks to improve Interstate 44 through an extensive series of projects including road widening, bridge improvements, and replacements. Notably, one project earmarked for the Fidelity Interchange is set to cost $31.4 million. However, this development has sparked concerns from local officials about its broader impacts.

Webb City Administrator Carl Francis has voiced significant concerns, stating that the current planning decisions could lead Jasper County to forfeit future opportunities for interstate designation within its jurisdiction. “I think that Jasper County is about to miss out on the future possibility of interstate highway inside Jasper County. 18 miles worth of Interstate Highway in Jasper County will never be turned to Interstate, because if they leave 49 on I-44. That's the end of it,” Francis explained.

The administrator emphasized the strategic importance of upgrading Freeway 249 to interstate status. Such a change would not only bring more funding to Jasper County but could also alleviate traffic congestion and reduce accident rates at the Fidelity Interchange. “But the main thing is, it also would reduce the amount of traffic having to make the turn at Fidelity, which would reduce the accidents,” Francis added.

Despite the ambitious goals of Forward 44, Francis remains skeptical about the chances of Freeway 249 receiving an interstate designation. He highlighted the financial aspects of the current plan versus the potential benefits of his proposal. “A lot of money they're going to spend. They're going to spend 200 million redoing I-44 and Fidelity. You could do this for less,” he stated.

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