WMDC from St Louis on 9/1/2019 11:45:42 AM:
On Saturday 08.30.19 I rode from Sedalia to Jefferson City including the section of the trail from Huntsdale (mm 171) to Hartsburg (153.6). It has rained significantly on Friday so the trail was damp or muddy the entire way with a fair amount of debris. This included the section of the KATY that is officially closed between just west of Easley (mm 162.5) to just west of Hartsburg (mm 153.6). The section that is closed is clearly marked by an orange plastic fencing crossing the trail. Although this section is rideable I would not recommend it. Almost the entire section was filled with either deep mud, large rocks, fallen trees and/or significant erosion. Given these conditions I can not see any time in the immediate future that it will be easily rideable. I would recommend arranging for a shuttle service from either Rocheport or the Columbia spur if you're traveling east and Hartsburg if you're traveling west.
ALSO the official KATY Trail map shows the eastbound connection to the KATY from the City of Sedalia can be found by taking Emmett to Boonville Road. THIS IS WRONG. Instead take Engineer Avenue out of town and follow the KATY Trail signs.