Joplin city leaders are set to deliberate on the future of the Pennsylvania Avenue Viaduct, a structure that has been closed for more than seven years, as Newstalk KZRG reported. On an upcoming Monday, council members will examine two significantly different proposals for the aging viaduct, which was originally constructed in 1929.
The viaduct, located in Joplin, has been inaccessible to both vehicles and pedestrians since February 2019. This prolonged closure stems from structural concerns that deemed the thoroughfare unsafe. For over seven years, this vital connection within the city's street network has been out of commission, altering established traffic flows and access patterns in the area.
The two proposals slated for review by the council members present a fundamental choice for the city's infrastructure. One option involves the complete removal of the viaduct, which would permanently eliminate the roadway connection along Pennsylvania Avenue. The alternative is a comprehensive rebuilding of Pennsylvania Avenue specifically between Fifth and Seventh Streets, restoring the original connectivity.
In a step toward addressing the viaduct's condition, the city of Joplin approved an engineering agreement in November 2024. This contract, with Olsson, is valued at up to $568,250. The agreement outlines services not only for the potential removal of the viaduct but also for planned improvements to the nearby Willow Branch stormwater system. This financial commitment underscores the city's intent to implement solutions for the area, whether through demolition or reconstruction.
Funding for this engineering work is drawn from Joplin's voter-approved capital improvement sales tax program. This demonstrates that the community has previously endorsed investments in significant infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing civic facilities. The ongoing efforts related to the Pennsylvania Avenue Viaduct are also integrated into a broader initiative focused on drainage and infrastructure improvements throughout the surrounding area, signaling a coordinated approach to regional development.
Any final decision regarding the viaduct's future is anticipated to have several key implications for Joplin. It could notably reshape downtown traffic patterns, affecting daily commutes and navigation through the city center. Furthermore, access to surrounding businesses may be impacted, depending on whether the roadway connection is restored or permanently removed. The choice between removal and rebuilding will also influence future construction costs for the city, representing a substantial long-term financial commitment that will require careful consideration from city leaders.
The upcoming Monday's presentation to city leaders is designated for discussion purposes only. No formal vote on the proposed solutions for the Pennsylvania Avenue Viaduct is scheduled at this time. This allows council members a period for thorough review and deliberation before any definitive decisions are made on the future of the long-closed structure.
