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Independence council and regional leaders press for action on deadly Highway 22 and 51; council adopts resolution
Summary
Regional officials, ODOT and state lawmakers urged faster action on a long‑studied, crash‑prone interchange at Highways 22 and 51; ODOT outlined short‑term fixes and cost estimates while the council unanimously adopted Resolution 24‑1618 calling for advocacy and coordination to speed safety improvements.
Independence — City council members on Tuesday gathered regional and state transportation partners to put renewed public pressure on safety fixes at the intersection of Highway 22 and Highway 51, a corridor long flagged for high crash rates and recent fatalities. After testimony from county, regional and state officials, the council adopted Resolution 24‑1618 urging timely, coordinated action.
The meeting opened with Polk County Commissioner Lyle Warhorse and Anna Henson, ODOT area manager, presenting the project history, near‑term options and a schedule for environmental review. "Right now, it's really close to becoming available to be sent for the EA," Lyle Warhorse said, referring to the Environmental Assessment that will establish the project's permanent footprint. Anna Henson said the EA will take about a year and that, even with immediate funding, it would likely be two to three years before construction could begin on a large‑scale flyover.
Why it matters: Residents, local elected officials and first responders described repeated serious…
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