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Economic Toll Taken On Missouri Bridges, Highways

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-910679.mp3

Jefferson City, MO – You won't see nearly as many bulldozers and paving trucks working to fix and expand Missouri highways. The upcoming five-year construction program approved today cuts away two thirds of what was spent last year.

What was approved by Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission barely has funds to take care of what's here now.

Projects already approved for work, guard cable and state highway bridges will stay on the books. But there won't be nearly as much mowing and replacing equipment. Sue Cox with MoDOT says economizing should save more than $200 million, however, "You're not going to see new projects that expand the system and make it safer."

As example, the Highway 50 corridor between Jefferson City and Kansas City will remain a patchwork of two-lane four-lane segments, one visible consequence of operating with not enough money. There are stagnant state funds, uncertain federal

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