"Work to Start on Barry Bridge"

Now that I have your attention. Must have been a slow news day at the Star. Glenn Rice wrote the headline in Saturday's issue of the Platte County Neighborhood News, page 3. The first paragraph indicates work is to start "this summer" and be completed "later this year"

"I'm glad to see us get going" said Councilman Russ Johnson". "This will help avoid needless deaths in the future." If this were true KCMO has certainly chosen the slow lane to avoid further carnage, my take is "We will build no bridge before its time" The article also mentions Johnson and Ed Ford "have been working with city officials to expedite the bridge opening." Pulllleassse! Glenn do you just write any drivel put out by the PR machine in KCMO?

To show you the lightning speed of KCMO, follow this story. "The city originally planned to complete the project by late 2009. However, after a group of residents-jolted by the deaths of two teenagers in a car crash at the bridge in April 2004-pressured city officials to expedite the project, the city pledged to have it done by 2007."

The group of residents I assume he is referring is the one headed up by WL residents Hinkle, McPherson and others. The "crash" while technically at the bridge did not involve the bridge but rather the soon to be removed foot bridge.

Follow this story. In fall the fall of 2005 there was a budget squeeze which caused the city to go to a three lane bridge from the planned four lanes. "But scaling back forced officials to redesign the project, Demory said" (Sean Demory, CIMO, KCMO). By the way, if you have a traditional span in mind when you think bridge, think again. There will be a series of cement box culverts that will replace the current retired bridge. Think Barry Road Culverts.

As you recall, the bridge was closed exactly six months ago, and soon thereafter, a press conference was held at the bridge. A perfect opportunity for political pontification. Funkhouser, Bos, etc, pointed out the danger of the bridge/road and how action must be taken. Funkhouser mused at the time if Minneapolis could rebuild a bridge over the Mississippi, surely we could do the same here. Mr Mayor, you've got six months. Based on the mess that continues to persist at Park Hill High on Barry Road, my guess is the Funk is going to fall a bit short.

Back to the article. Rice concludes with a quote from Johnson. " This will help avoid needless deaths in the future".

It's just a matter of time.