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As a main east-west corridor in Missouri’s Bootheel, U.S. Route 412 carries more than 6,000 vehicles a day. Currently, the existing four-lane upgrades end near Cardwell, Missouri, and U.S. 412 returns to a two-lane road.   

To plan for future capacity improvements, the Missouri Department of Transportation launched an Environmental Study. This 20-mile section of U.S. 412 extends from Route AC near the Arkansas border to just east of Route Y near Kennett, Missouri. The exact project limits for the project will be set once the Environmental Study is complete.

The study will examine options for increasing capacity, as well as the impact of those options. This is the first step in the eventual upgrade of U.S. 412 from two lanes (one lane in each direction) to four lanes (two lanes in each direction). 

The Environmental Study began with collecting data and gathering public input. These are the first steps in identifying potential project challenges, assessing needs along the corridor, and gauging public sentiment regarding improvements to U.S. 412. Natural and cultural resources such as wetlands, threatened and endangered species, wildlife and habitat, water quality, farmlands, historic properties, and archaeological sites were identified so that impacts from potential roadway improvements can be analyzed.

Throughout the project, opportunities will be available for the public to provide input and review the project findings.

The Dunklin County Commission contributed $500,000 toward the completion of the environmental work. Although funding has not been secured for future construction on this corridor, it has been designated as an unfunded transportation need by the Bootheel Regional Planning Commission.  Read the Purpose & Need Statement > 

Online Comment Period Underway for Environmental Assessment: March 11-April 21, 2026

The Missouri Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 to share findings from the Environmental Assessment (EA) for U.S. Route 412 in Dunklin County. The public hearing will be held at the gym of Senath-Hornersville High School, located at 803 South State St. in Senath, Missouri. 

The environmental study examined options for increasing capacity, as well as the impact of those options, for the 20-mile section of U.S. 412 extending from Route AC near the Arkansas border to just east of Route Y near Kennett, Missouri.

After extensive review, two alternatives for increasing capacity were identified. During the public hearing, the preferred alternative of a four-lane undivided highway with a flush median will be shared. The preferred alternative includes an additional lane for turning traffic at intersections (5-lane with two-way left turn lane at intersections). Funding has not been secured for construction at this time.

The EA under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), evaluated potential impacts the proposed transportation improvements could have on the project area. The study balances the need to improve the roadway with several community goals. The EA is now available for review. An online comment form is also available below. Comments will be accepted through Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

MoDOT is committed to providing equal access to this event for all participants. People who require special services or accommodations at the public hearing should notify MoDOT Project Manager Seiji Shimbo by Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at (573) 472-5389 or MoDOT’s Customer Service at 1-888-ASK MODOT (275-6636) so arrangements for those services can be made.