The council took action in late 2022 to transfer the right of way for Northwest Lancaster Road to Morgan, making it a private road and allowing Morgan to install a gate and a turnaround area a bit past Northwest 71st Avenue, removing the easy access to the bridge.
Morgan first approached the county about vacating the road in 2008, but because of a state law preventing the vacation of roads that touch navigable waters, the county was not able to. In 2020, Morgan successfully lobbied the Legislature for a temporary exception to the law.
“A long time coming is an understatement,” Councilor Gary Medvigy said at the public hearing. “And the amount of work not only by staff but by the petitioner, amazing.”
Next steps
In order for the county to vacate the road, Morgan must meet conditions outlined by the county, including paying for the value of the land and ensuring that any gate installed there allows access for emergency vehicles. Additionally, the county engineer must certify the costs and expenses incurred, administrative costs must be paid by Morgan and then a final order of vacation can be brought before the council.
“It’ll improve public safety,” Medvigy said, “give you (Morgan) some peace of mind, including to the firefighters and first responders out there, not having to worry about someone being slaughtered on the trestle from here on.”
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