New Extension of Fall Creek Road Opened

Completion of the Fall Creek Road was opened Oct. 10 with full Branson fanfare — complete with a mini-parade, live entertainment, free ice cream and Mayor Raeanne Presley breaking the ribbon riding in a convertible.

This section — in the city’s plans since 1990 — now connects Fall Creek Road at 76 Country Boulevard to Roark Valley Road at Epps Road, allowing motorists to travel from Missouri Highway 248 all the way to Missouri Highway 165. The first phase of the project started three years ago with the blasting off of part of the rocky hillside on Roark Valley Road and the addition of a traffic light. Last winter the second phase was finished with the widening and straightening of Fall Creek Road at the intersection of Missouri 76 and installation of the traffic light there.

In addition to this great new way to avoid some traffic on the Missouri 76 strip, the city has also committed to continue development of three trails that will expand the Lakeside Wilderness Forest area path — eventually all the way to Branson Landing. Meetings have also been held to explore ideas for a nature center at the intersection and the entrance to the wilderness area.

For the blessing to of our guests (and ourselves), we are so thankful for Larry VanGilder, Branson’s public works director, and David Miller, city engineer, and their staffs for their skillful leadership and tenacity to finish these improvements despite complications from weather, the discovery of some unknown caves (that had to be explored for any adverse affects to the environment) and the stubbornness of our Ozarks rocky hills!

The Lilleys