Commission backs Garrison Ridge chip-and-seal and awards design contract for Trackr–Nicholas intersection

The Christian County Commission approved two highway items: a letter of support for Garrison Special Road District's request to convert Garrison Ridge Road from base rock to chip-and-seal and a professional-services contract with CJW to study and design the Trackr–Nicholas Road intersection.

Highway staff explained the Garrison Ridge Road work will require a modification to a U.S. Forest Service forestry easement in the Mark Twain area because sections of the road cross federal land. Staff recommended the commission concur with the special-district application and to waive the small administrative easement fee so neither the county nor the Garrison Special Road District would be charged. Commissioners approved the letter.

On the intersection project, staff said the county received a $944,000 Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) for design and construction and recommended CJW to perform study, data collection, utility coordination, public meetings, design and bid assistance. Staff reported CJW had already gathered traffic counts and gave a contract figure stated during the meeting as $129,492.64; construction was projected for 2027–28 depending on utility coordination.

"We received an STBG grant in the amount of $944,000 for the design and construction of that," a highway representative said. The representative added that the project is heavily utility-dependent and could begin construction as soon as late 2027 if coordination stays on schedule.

A director from the city of Nixon, introduced in the meeting, voiced support for the project and indicated the city will contribute in a cost-share role.

Both the letter of concurrence and the CJW contract were approved by voice vote; the transcript records the motions and "All in favor say I."