SHIRLEY JAMES views the 68-year-old Highway 5 viaduct from the vantage point of the Katy Trail Tuesday morning. James has collected more than 100 signatures of persons who want to preserve the bridge.

More than 100 persons have signed a petition requesting the New Franklin city council not support removal of the 68-year-old MKT viaduct at the south Highway 5 entrance into the city.

The petition, initiated by Shirley James, states that the viaduct has historic value, is structurally sound, and provides safe entrance into the city.

A public hearing will be held to discuss the proposed demolition of the viaduct Oct. 16. The location for the public hearing has yet to be decided.

Preston Kramer of the Missouri Department of Transportation told council members Monday that the Highway 5 viaduct spanning the Katy Trail is safe, but “nearing the end of its life.” MoDOT proposes demolishing the bridge and reconstructing Highway 5 on the ground.

The project is estimated to cost about $1.3 million and will begin no earlier than the fall of 2009. As yet, funds are not in place for the work, but Preston believes money will be found from federal sources.

“The bridge is at the stage of its life at which maintenance forces are unable to keep up with the structural needs of the bridge,” Kramer told the Fayette Advertiser Tuesday. He estimates that it would cost $15 million “to rehabilitate the bridge into satisfactory condition.”

Kramer emphasizes that the bridge currently is safe. He explained that a new bridge would receive a rating of “9.” As bridges age, the rating number decreases. When the rating reaches “3,” MoDOT closes the bridge. The New Franklin viaduct has a rating of “5.”

It has been inspected within the last year, and is judged structurally sound at this time.

Preston has asked for support from city officials. “Without it [city council endorsement] federal funds would be jeopardized,” Kramer said. Council members will decide on their position after the Oct. 16 public hearing.
James has collected 113 signatures over a two-week period. More signatures will likely be collected as the petition will be placed in city hall. City employees will not suggest visitors read or sign the petition.

Dedicated in October 1940, the viaduct originally spanned eight tracks which were part of the old MKT (Katy) switch-yards and roundhouse at Franklin Junction.

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