By James B. Bartle
The Sullivan City Council appears to becoming very concerned over several temporary construction easements needed to begin work on the Springfield Rd. Project.
During a special meeting held by the council on Tuesday night, Sept. 22, Mayor J.T. Hardy reported that some easements for the first phase of Springfield Rd., from Highway 185 South to Church St., have yet to be obtained.
“These are temporary easements only,” said Hardy on Tuesday.
Hardy continued commenting that this is a City of Sullivan project and not a Missouri Department of Transportation project.
The new construction, which consists of asphalt overlay, new curb and guttering, sidewalks, wider lanes, enclosing ditches, lighting and trees, among many things, is expected to improve the aesthetics of the owners’ property.
The council did indicate that some of the property owners wanted compensation for the temporary construction easements.
The cost for the temporary easements is estimated around $70,000.
Hardy stated that, if the easements are not obtained, the board will have to decide whether to amend the budget for the extra $70,000 for the temporary easements or to omit these properties from the project.
The council is on a deadline for this project and, reportedly, will not receive any extensions on the grant funding.
The city has promised to keep one lane of traffic open at all times during the construction process.
The project is expected to start in 2010, if easements are obtained.
The council did not release the names of the property owners that have not granted the temporary easements.