Sunbury Parkway interchange groundbreaking set for July 24; officials call project "transformational"

City officials announced a groundbreaking for the Sunbury Parkway interchange set for 10 a.m. on July 24 and described the project as transformative for the area. "If you can attend, we'd love to have you there 10:00 on, the 24th," City Administrator Chris Hennessy said, identifying the site just south of Wilson Road near the Tanger Outlet Mall and noting representatives from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and other partners will speak. Mayor Saint John and council members described phase one as extending from Wilson Road south of the outlet mall to near 23 B's and A K Road, with southbound on‑ramp, northbound exit, and a large bridge carrying lanes and a multiuse trail. Council members said the project was made possible by a public‑private partnership with ODOT and county support and estimated phase costs in the tens of millions. Officials said the project will improve regional access and safety and will include a bridge that, they noted, will bear Sunbury's name. A council member said the project came in under budget relative to expectations and praised the ODOT contractor's work. No formal council vote was required at the meeting; the announcement confirmed the event date and encouraged public attendance.