Main Street to Reopen with Engineer-Approved Safety Measures

In response to the ongoing closure of the 200 block of West Main Street and the 60-day delay recently granted by the Board of Appeals, the City of Sedalia is moving forward with an engineered plan to reopen the street to traffic while protecting public safety and preserving access for downtown businesses.

On November 10 and 11, City crews will begin installing a system of reinforced concrete retaining blocks, each weighing approximately 2.5 tons, along the south side of the street in front of the deteriorating structures at 207 and 209 West Main Street. A tall steel safety fence will also be installed to further secure the area, forming a protective buffer zone between the unstable buildings and the traveling public.

This temporary yet robust solution has been formally reviewed and approved by the City’s structural engineer. The engineer has confirmed the design meets safety standards and significantly reduces the risk of falling debris while allowing the City to reopen the corridor for public use. If building owners require access within the fenced area to conduct any testing or approved work, the City is prepared to open the perimeter by request.

Once installed, the City will reopen West Main Street to two-way traffic, with a slight lane shift to the north side of the block to maintain a safe distance from the structures. On-street parking will be restricted from Kentucky Avenue to Osage Avenue to accommodate the new traffic pattern and to ensure clear sightlines for vehicles navigating the narrowed route.

In tandem with the reopening, City maintenance crews will remove the temporary plywood panels that were previously installed over window on the north side of the street. This will improve visibility, restore the aesthetic of the block, and make it easier for customers and pedestrians to access shops and storefronts across from the closed buildings.

While the City had previously requested immediate authorization to proceed with demolition due to the documented risks associated with these structures, the Board of Appeals voted on October 22 to allow the private property owners 60 additional days to either complete repairs or move forward with demolition. The City did not request or recommend this extension, but is taking proactive steps to ensure safety and minimize disruption during this extended timeline.

As of now, there have been no observable repairs or improvements made to the structures since the Board of Appeals granted the 60-day extension. The buildings remain in the same visibly deteriorated condition previously documented by engineers and inspectors. Cracks, voids, and other structural issues are still apparent from the exterior.

City inspectors and third-party engineers continue to monitor the condition of the buildings closely. While public safety remains a top priority, the City is not obstructing any testing, stabilization, or repair work the property owners may wish to pursue. The protective fencing was purposely designed to leave room for contractors to work on site, and City personnel are prepared to open access points upon request to support those efforts.

“This is a safe compromise,” said City Administrator Matthew Wirt. “The City Council, Mayor and myself understand our residents and downtown businesses want to see this block moving forward again. We remain committed to safety first, but we are also listening and responding to the needs of our community.”

As the 60-day period progresses, inspectors and engineers will continue to monitor the site. The City has also issued an addendum to the demolition bid request, now accepting proposals until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, with work expected to begin no later than January 5, 2026, pending final legal outcomes and coordination with adjacent property owners.

The public is reminded to respect all fencing, signage, and instructions from onsite personnel during and after the installation of the barrier system. Further updates will be shared as new developments arise.

For now, the reopening of Main Street marks an important step toward restoring mobility, supporting local businesses, and ensuring safety.