Manchester Alderman Proposes Underpass After Teen Struck and Killed on Route 141

said they do not anticipate charges against the tow truck driver who struck Alexander Harvey Springsteen, 17, on Route 141 Friday night. The teen was hit and killed as he and two friends tried to cross southbound Route 141 at Meramec Station Road just south of Manchester Road.

(Read Previous Story: )

"Our understanding is that the tow truck driver was proceeding through a green light," explained Manchester Police Sgt. Gerard Johnson.

Manchester Ward One Alderman Bob Tulluck told Patch the accident happened right across the street from his home. 

"I see kids cross there frequently. I very seldom see it at night, but I'm not looking for it either," Tullock said of the intersection that is technically Meramec Station Road and Route 141 in the southbound lanes and Howard George Drive and Route 141 in the northbound lanes. Tullock said he believes many people cross Route 141 to get to friend's homes or nearby stores, like the Manchester Highlands Shopping Center. Springsteen's family tells Patch the teen and his friends were heading to a local shopping center Friday night when he was struck.

Investigators said there is no crosswalk at that intersection, or any intersection along Route 141, because it is a state highway. However, they also said it's not uncommon for people to cross at that intersection. Manchester Police Lt. Bob Fritschle said police even received a call of a person walking against the traffic on Route 141 the day before the fatal accident.

Manchester Police Sgt. Gerard Johnson told Town and Country-Manchester Patch the highway "would be a terrible road for pedestrians to navigate" and said people should not cross it on foot unless it's an emergency. He said it's a combination of changing stoplights and traffic that makes the road dangerous.

"Crossing Highway 141 is just like crossing Interstate 270, except for the volume of traffic," Johnson said. "My recommendation would be, 'You don't cross five-lane highways.' It's just common sense."

Johnson said Route 141 is a state highway and is under the jurisdiction of the , like I-270. He said crosswalks are not on a state highway because they are not meant to be crossed. MoDOT was unavailable for comment over the weekend.

"You're not supposed to walk, cross or ride bicycles on state highways for just that reason," Tullock added.

However, he said he knows it's being done, so he thinks it's time to try and take some action to make it safer.

"I've spoken to a number of residents in that area. Everybody wants something done, but no one wants to see it come across their front yard," Tullock explained. 

Tullock's suggestion is to revisit an idea that he said was before city leaders two or three years ago: build a bridge or crosswalk underneath Route 141. Tullock said a proposal like this was discussed years ago, but put on hold because there were some jurisdiction issues in the area still being finalized between the city of Manchester and MoDOT. He said there is a viaduct that runs under Route 141 near the Grand Glaize Creek which could be developed into a walkway for pedestrians to go back and forth from the east and west side of the highway.

"We can do it without impeding on anyone's properties," Tullock explained. "We can do it relatively cheaply—you just have to know it's there."

Tullock said it may be something the Manchester Board of Aldermen addresses in the near future, even as soon as Tuesday night's meeting. However, for now, police are warning pedestrians and drivers to use caution and not only in the area of Friday's accident.

"Drive defensively," Sgt. Johnson reminded motorists. "Expect the worst thing to happen and be prepared for it."