The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is attempting to improve the safety of Natural Bridge Road along a four-mile stretch where there have been 18 fatal crashes since 2012 and more than 1,400 crashes in total.
Michelle Forneris, an area engineer at MoDOT, said the agency is in the process of studying the root causes of Natural Bridge’s high collision rates and seeking community input on how to best address the issues.
Forneris said local and state officials have been collaborating on how to make the roadway safer for all users. Many of the fatal collisions, she said, have involved pedestrians who were jaywalking as well as high speeds.
“If you look at the posted speed limit, it’s 35 miles an hour on this road,” Forneris said. “The majority of drivers during the daytime hours are going over 45 miles an hour. Then, overnight, we’re seeing excessive speeds of 60, 65 miles an hour on this very urban street. Those are interstate speeds. We shouldn’t be seeing those types of speeds.”
To combat the problem, MoDOT is hosting a series of focus groups aimed at seeking community input on how to address the problem. They have already met with community members and plan to conduct two groups with the owners of businesses along the road.
“We have learned that what each of us brings is valuable, and we will use that information so we can make better decisions and ultimately improve Natural Bridge,” Forneris said.
After conducting the remaining focus groups, she said, MoDOT will compile a document containing the suggestions, which they hope to release in the spring, and will begin working on possible solutions. The department will work with a team of engineers to address the issues.
MoDOT has also launched the Natural Bridge Safety Initiative, issuing a number of public service announcements urging pedestrians not to jaywalk and motorists not to drive above the speed limit.
Natural Bridge Road is infamous for more than just its traffic difficulties. The road was named the most violent street in America by the Guardian newspaper in 2017 due to its high rate of gun violence and homicides.
To suggest solutions for Natural Bridge, contact the MoDOT city team at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6638) or contact the department through Facebook or Twitter.
