Fixing Roads and Bridges

Straight Talk with Sam

North Missouri spans a lot of miles. You don't have go far to find transportation issues that need fixing. That might be a lettered route in Adair County or traffic snarls in the Northland of Kansas City. As the Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, it has been my priority to not only ensure that we are fixing the country's infrastructure, but also fixing our roads and bridges here in North Missouri. That means every county, in every corner of the district, small or large. Over the years, we've gotten a lot done, but there's plenty more to do.

Ask anyone who has worked on an infrastructure project, and they'll tell you that it is a long game. Only through persistence, diligence, and consistently advocating for funding do major projects get done. It takes everybody working together.

In Kearney, the interchange at I-35 and 19th Street started with a study that I allocated funding for years ago. Now, that project is completed thanks to local, state, and federal partners coming together. Just down the road sits the Flintlock Flyover in Liberty. I was proud to be a part of that critical project as well. Like others, it took many years to come to fruition. Travel in the area is now safer and more efficient.

As you make your way to Kansas City, you know that trying to merge at the intersection of I-35 and I-29 is a nightmare. I was proud to get funding to start a study there in 2020, so we can fix it. With 2-3 times the statewide average for crashes, it's a problem we can't afford to ignore. It's not just Northlanders who benefit though, but anyone in North Missouri trying to get to downtown or south of Kansas City to see a doctor or get where they need to go. Fixing it won't be quick or easy, but we've got to get it done.

Nearby, the Buck O'Neil Bridge was dangerously close to not being a viable route to downtown. However, we secured funding for that project in 2019 and the fruits of those efforts are finally reflected in a brand-new bridge. Add to that the new South Main corridor in Maryville, I-70, Highway 54, and the countless rural bridges that have been replaced and we're making some real progress.

We all know there's plenty more to be done, but it's exciting to reflect on what can be achieved. As Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I look forward to getting the next long-term highway bill done, so we can work with local stakeholders to get even more projects moving, all across North Missouri.

Sincerely,

Sam Graves