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Ozark Run Scenic Byway

Ozark Run Scenic Byway

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PostAug 05, 2022#1

I couldn't find a thread for this topic, so if there's a better fit, put it where it needs to go. 

There may be a new 375-mile scenic byway connecting St. Louis with Branson. It pends local approval. The Ozark Run Scenic Byway would utilize existing roadways -- Missouri Routes 21, 185, 106, and 19; plus U.S. Routes 63 and 160. 

The byway would consist of five "sprints" -- Gateway Sprint, Meramec Sprint, St. Francois Sprint, Riverways Sprint, and Heritage Sprint. 

https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/propo ... vernments/

Here's the proposal's website: https://www.ozarkrun.org/

PostDec 30, 2022#2

I hadn't followed this since posting this back in August. 

It appears that numerous mid-Missouri counties oppose the scenic byway, and even Jefferson County voted against it. 

This article about JeffCo's rejection is from back in October: https://news.stlpublicradio.org/governm ... enic-byway

Howell County (West Plains) apparently rejected the byway in early December: https://www.howellcountynews.com/local/ ... ell-county

I also have reason to believe that Howell County's neighbor, Oregon County, has rejected the byway proposal. 

I'm not sure if this completely kills the project or not. I love the project's goal -- to better connect St. Louis with northwest Arkansas -- but you had to know that rural Missourians would get upset about anything that connects to St. Louis. 
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PostJan 01, 2023#3

So it looks like it is just going to be in Washington, Iron, and Reynolds counties or something like that?
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PostMay 10, 2024#4

I'm checking in on this for the first time since I last posted an update here on Dec. 30, 2022.

It appears the Ozark Run Scenic Byway is now official. It spans 78 miles in Iron and Washington counties.

The original proposal was for 375 miles spanning suburban St. Louis to Branson and the Arkansas border. Most counties seemed to meet the proposal with vitriol, with all the comments you'd expect from NIMBYs at a community meeting. Even Jefferson County went against it. 
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