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Chief McClain to seek traffic safety improvements for Hwy. Z

(Post date 07-28-2007)

Chief Gary McClain has launched a campaign to seek safety improvements for Highway Z from US 61-67 to Rt. A. Chief announced he will work with Public Safety Agencies and other County/State Officials to do whatever he can to expedite roadway improvements.

Chief said the roadway is highly congested, particularly in the morning and evening rush hours. Chief also expresses concerns that there is no room for error on the Highway between Cherry Lane and Wagon Wheel Lane. There are no shoulders and if a motorist drops the tires off the side of the roadway, it’s a recipe for disaster the Chief explained.

Chief also is concerned about his Districts Apparatus maneuvering through the high congestion with no shoulders while the Fire Trucks are responding to emergency calls.
Chief said 12 people have been killed on Highway Z since September 1986. Of those, 11 have been killed between Griffith Drive and Front Street, which is roughly 2 miles in length.

MoDOT is currently working on a proposal to install 3 foot wide asphalt shoulders on each side of Rt. Z between US 61067 to Rt. A sometime within the next 5 years. Although Chief is excited to hear of the improvement plans, he said 5 years is too long.

The Dunklin Fire District has already responded to two fatal accidents on Highway Z in 2007, both east of Cherry Lane and countless injury accidents on Highway Z. The Chief adds that, roadway improvements need to be placed on urgent to help reduce these statistics.

The Dunklin Fire Protection District will continue to provide rapid, professional, and highly trained response to vehicle crashes on Highway Z and will keep the public updated with any accomplishments made on this issue.