South Elm shared‑use path moves through MoDOT review; city aims for spring 2027 construction but cautions on right‑of‑way work

Mayor Arnold and city staff updated the Traffic Advisory Commission on the Southtown/South Elm corridor project. Preliminary plans have been submitted to MoDOT and staff are addressing MoDOT's comments as part of the review. Because roughly 73% of the project's construction funding is federal (STBG/STP), MoDOT oversight governs design approvals and certain changes may jeopardize federal funding if not handled within program rules.

Staff explained that the city is not planning to use federal funds outside the construction phase and that the project has been designed to remain in existing right‑of‑way where possible. The current concept reduces driving‑lane and parking widths to fit a shared‑use path on one side of the road; staff said some residents see portions of the right‑of‑way as longstanding private space and that outreach will be required to explain the plan.

The city estimated the right‑of‑way process involves about 38 parcels. Staff said MoDOT requires an A‑date and right‑of‑way plans to proceed with acquisition and that some parcels will need additional negotiations due to fences, landscaping and driveway adjustments. Staff estimated the construction start as spring 2027 and said meeting that schedule will require a focused right‑of‑way acquisition phase.

Commissioners asked whether easements or impacts to private property are expected; staff said temporary and permanent easements will be required in some locations and that final plans will be submitted to MoDOT for approval once right‑of‑way work and final design are complete. No final council action was reported at the meeting; staff said a council work session is scheduled to discuss the project in more detail.