The Katy Bridge spanning the Missouri River at Boonville.

Area citizens will soon have an opportunity to comment on a proposed plan to dismantle the former MKT Railroad Bridge at Boonville (Katy Bridge). A hearing has been set for Sept. 30, 6 to 8 p.m., in the Flamingo Bay Ballroom in the Isle of Capri Casino.

The bridge has been determined to be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. As such, the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 requires that the public be offered forums to learn about the project, as well as voice opinions.

The U.S. Coast Guard, the agency charged with determining whether to grant a demolition permit to Union Pacific Railway, will host the meeting. UP proposes to dismantle the bridge and use parts to build a second span across the Osage River near Osage City.

The meeting is expected to draw dozens of people still hoping to preserve the structure.

Some years ago, Coast Guard directed bridge owner Union Pacific to remove the bridge, which has not been used for rail traffic since 1986. The agency considers any unused bridge an obstruction, said bridge administrator Roger Wiebusch.

Over the years, the Coast Guard has not pressed hard for removal because of the possibility the bridge could be used for bike and pedestrian traffic. It is currently not accessible because one end of it was removed and the other is blocked off.

Last fall, a Missouri appeals court upheld a lower court decision allowing UP to tear down the bridge.

Attorney General Jay Nixon appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court, which declined in February to hear the case. Nixon argued the state could take over the bridge for the Katy Trail. He sued the state Department of Natural Resources because it agreed to allow Union Pacific to remove the bridge.

A group called the Save the Katy Bridge Coalition has for years tried to make the bridge part of the statewide trail, which goes from St. Charles to Clinton. Boonville is the only Missouri River crossing of the Katy Trail, which now passes over the Highway 5/40 Boonslick Bridge.

The rail bridge would be a safer, more pleasant and more scenic crossing, said Paula Shannon, chairwoman of the coalition. The setting is quiet, save for the sound of birds and the river, she told the Associated Press.

“It’s a sensational feeling when you are out there,” Shannon said. “It’s breathtaking, truly.”

Shannon said her group has raised about $480,000 to help cover the cost of renovating the bridge for foot and bicycle traffic. The estimated cost of the work has ranged from $1 million to $2 million, she said.

The coalition has not given up trying to save the bridge, despite the losses in court. With Nixon running for Missouri governor, there has been hope expressed by some coalition members of a possible administration change in Jefferson City which might help the group’s chances.

Shannon said negotiations have continued with the Coast Guard and Union Pacific, which she hopes will donate the bridge to the city as part of a renovation plan. UP offered that in the past, but now wants to dismantle the bridge and use its steel spans in a new bridge over the Osage River.
Persons who are unable to attend the Sept. 30 forum but would like to comment may send a letter to: Commander (dwb), Eighth Coast Guard District, 1222 Spruce St., Room 2.107F, St. Louis, Mo. 63103-2832 or e-mail katybridge@uscg.mil.

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