The Missouri Department of Transportation awarded the city of Poplar Bluff $300,784 for the East Pine Street crosswalk and Linc Park connector sidewalk across Highway 60 as part of a Transportation Alternative Program grant.
The city utilized the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission to write the grant proposal. According to OFRPC’s, MoDOT selected 49 projects statewide, totaling $19.78 million in federal TAP funds.
The funding comes to MoDOT from two pieces of federal legislation: the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“The TAP focuses on non-motorized transportation projects with an emphasis on bicycle and pedestrian facilities,” the post recounted.
At the March 18 city council meeting, City Manager Matt Winters explained the project would finance a new crosswalk with flashing signs connecting Linc Park to Pine Street and a sidewalk on Gum, Sycamore, and East Pine street.
At the same meeting, local resident Jessica Bishop tearfully recalled striking a pedestrian where the new crosswalk would be. She implored members to approve the measure to prevent future tragedies.
“I think the lighted flashing crosswalk was the main purpose and the main intent,” said Winters, “This would make it a whole lot more visible to drivers.”
The TAP grant provides 80% of the total $375,980 project cost. The city is responsible for the remaining $75,196.
When Brian Rosener of OFRPC proposed the action to the council in March, the total projected cost was $225,850. Winters clarified the Pine Street crosswalk had to be extended and rerouted from MoDOT’s right-of-way to the city’s.
While this increased the cost, he noted the new route presented fewer administrative obstacles.
The city contracted Smith and Company Engineers for the design and engineering of the project. The construction request for bid will go up in May of 2026.