Districts Impacted
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The U.S. Route 63 corridor is a decades-long, national, state, and regional need, brought forward by the citizens of the region, through the planning partner needs prioritization process.
U.S. Route 63 from south of U.S. Route 50 to the Maries River is primarily a two-lane roadway with 12-foot driving lanes and four-foot shoulders. The roadway is characterized by rolling hills with numerous sharp curves, driveways, and access points that contribute to uneven traffic flow, which increases the potential for high-crash rates.
In the past decade (2014-2024), this corridor has seen 190 crashes that have resulted in seven fatalities, 12 serious injuries, and 80 minor injuries. To address the high rate of fatal and serious injury crashes, MoDOT is designing a new alignment for U.S. Route 63 while minimizing the impact on people, property, and the environment.
The proposed new alignment along the preferred alternative corridor, as identified in the 2009 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and reaffirmed in the 2025 EIS re-evaluation, would be a four-lane divided highway connected to Westphalia via an interchange.
PURPOSE AND NEED
The primary purpose of the U.S. Route 63 project, as stated in the 2009 EIS and reaffirmed in the 2025 EIS re-evaluation, is to improve the operational efficiency and safety of the existing roadway for both through and local traffic. The proposed improvements consider the needs of neighboring communities and residents.
Specifically, the project is needed to:
- Improve safety on U.S. Route 63.
- Improve traffic flow on U.S. Route 63.
- Improve north-south four-lane design continuity.
DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS
The current preliminary design for the new alignment proposed a divided four-lane highway (two lanes in each direction) with:
- A wide median to provide a clear zone for drivers to recover when errors are made.
- Multiple J-turns to provide access while reducing the opportunity for crossover and right-angle (T-bone) crashes.
- Local connectivity to Westphalia at the northern end of the project and via a new interchange near the southern end of the project limits.
This includes several changes from the design originally presented at the Aug. 21, 2025, public hearing. These changes are a direct result of public input from the hearing, more than 270 comments received during the associated comment period, and feedback provided to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission at the Nov. 3 and Dec. 3 meetings.
PROJECT PROGRESS
In 2006, U.S. Route 63 from U.S. Route 50 in Osage County to Rolla in Phelps County was ranked second out of 40 projects for future transportation needs by MoDOT and state planning partners. Subsequently, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was conducted for this 47-mile section of U.S. Route 63.
The alternative corridors were evaluated based on public input, engineering, right-of-way requirements, environmental impacts, cultural resources, and construction costs. The EIS also considered leaving the existing corridor as is; however, that would not address the purpose and need of the study.
Public involvement opportunities through this process:
- Nov. 14 & 16, 2006 – Initial public meetings.
- May 1 & 2, 2007 – Second round of public meetings.
- Oct. 25 & 30, 2007 – Reasonable Alternatives public meetings.
- April 10, 2008 – Four locations emerging alternatives public meetings.
The EIS was completed in 2009 and identified the preferred alternative corridor for improvements to this stretch of highway, divided into several regional sections.
More information: https://www.modot.org/projects/us-route-63-environmental-impact-study-osage-maries-and-phelps-counties
As a result of collaborations with local planning partners, a new alignment for U.S. Route 63 from U.S. Route 50 to the Maries River (Section 1 of the EIS) was the first to move forward to a project due to its high rate of fatal and serious injury crashes.
This new alignment was included in Tier II of MoDOT’s High Priority Unfunded Needs in 2019, 2021, and 2022. As additional funding was made available for the 2023-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), this need moved forward as a construction project.
More about the High Priority Unfunded Need process is available at www.modot.org/unfundedneeds.
The original EIS for this section of U.S. Route 63 underwent a re-evaluation that was completed and approved by the Federal Highway Administration in June 2025. A National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) re-evaluation was necessary because existing conditions, possible solutions, potential impacts, and related mitigation measures may have changed since the 2009 EIS.
Based on requests by local residents, MoDOT reconsidered one of the options not selected as the preferred alternative during the original study. The analysis concluded the optional segment considered during the original EIS did not present a less impactful alternative. As a result, no changes were made to the preferred alternative.
Public involvement opportunities:
- August 2022 – Re-evaluation public comment period.
- October 2022 – Property-owner requested meeting.
Based on the federally-approved EIS, MoDOT is designing a new alignment for U.S. Route 63 in Osage County with the goal of improving safety while minimizing the impact on people, property, and the environment. These improvements will require right-of-way acquisition along with temporary and permanent easements.
Several changes have been made to the preliminary design presented at the public hearing on Aug. 21, 2025, based on public input. These changes include:
- Adding a connection at the north end of the project, near the soccer fields.
- Incorporating additional access points along the new alignment via J-turns.
- Tying the dual southbound lanes into the existing climbing lane at the south end of the project.
- This will include restriping the bridge over the Maries River to three lanes (one northbound, two southbound) and adding a dedicated left turn lane for southbound U.S Route 63 to County Road 611.
- The project team will review traffic flow for Missouri Route 133 to the new U.S. Route 63 alignment for potential improvements and review a potential northbound access point to Westphalia at the southern end of the project.
The estimated cost of engineering, right of way, and construction is $83.7 million, subject to change.
During the four-week comment period that ran Aug. 6 – Sept. 4, 2025, the community and interested parties had have multiple avenues to learn about, ask questions, and submit input regarding the proposed realignment.
- In-person - An open-house-style public hearing was held Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Westphalia Knights of Columbus located at 819 Highway 63 in Westphalia. The project team was on hand to answer questions, provide information, and receive input about the project. There was no formal presentation, so attendees could come and go as they please at any time during the advertised hours.
- Online - All meeting exhibits are available on this website, and feedback could be submitted using a form on this page.
- By email – Send comments to CDCR@modot.mo.gov with the subject line: U.S. Route 63 realignment in Osage County.
- By traditional mail – Comments could be mailed to Missouri Department of Transportation, 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO 65109, postmarked by Sept. 4, 2025. Please reference: U.S. Route 63 realignment in Osage County.
Following the initial presentation on Nov. 6, 2025, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (Commission) elected to give thoughtful consideration to the comments and concerns shared by the public, and delayed action on the project until their next meeting.
On Dec. 3, 2025, the Commission approved “the west corridor, which is the ‘preferred alternative’ as identified in the Environmental Impact Statement approved by the Federal Highway Administration.
“The project will extend the four-lane freeway from U.S. Route 50 south to the Maries River bridge and include the construction of a new bridge and a new interchange.
“Other improvements include J- Turn access at the north and mid-section of the new alignment and the extension of the southbound dual lane to the existing climbing lanes south of the Maries River.
“As detailed design progresses, the department will apply its engineering judgement to consider and incorporate, if possible, any reasonable options to avoid disruption of traffic during the construction process and any reasonable options to minimize or avoid the acquisition of property and property rights along the corridor. And, additional review of the south end design, its bridge, and possible northbound right-only access to Westphalia.
“The department will review traffic flow for Missouri Route 133 to the new U.S. Route 63 alignment for potential improvements.
“The department will continue to collaborate with local stakeholders including the county commission, law enforcement, members of the traveling public, and affected property owners.”
Watch the Dec. 3, 2025 Commission meeting HERE.
When the plans for the corridor are closer to being finalized, MoDOT will present them to the community. The date and location of that informational meeting has not yet been determined.
The project is expected to be part of MoDOT's fall 2027 letting, when contractors submit competitive bids. If awarded by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, a notice to proceed date will also be given. That is the earliest date the contractor may begin work.
Construction could begin as early as fall 2027 and be completed in December 2029.
2025 HEARING MATERIALS
These are the displays as presented at the public hearing on Aug. 21, 2025.
Presentations to Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission
NEWSLETTERS
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NEWS AND UPDATES
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Public hearing on realigning U.S. Route 63 in Osage County Thursday evening
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is reminding motorists and local residents of public hearing this week and ongoing comment period regarding a proposed roadway realignment.
The current U.S. Route 63 corridor fr...
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Input sought on realigning U.S. Route 63 in Osage County
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – The current U.S. Route 63 corridor from south of U.S. Route 50 to the Maries River has a history of fatal and serious injury crashes. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is exploring a new realignment for U.S...
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What initiated this project?
In 2006, MoDOT and state planning partners presented 40 projects to address future transportation needs and ranked U.S. Route 63 from U.S. Route 50 in Osage County to Rolla in Phelps County as the second-highest need. Subsequently, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was completed in 2009.
Local planning partners reaffirmed the U.S. Route 63 from U.S. Route 50 to the Maries River segment (Section 1 of the EIS) as a high priority for the region. As a result, it was included in Tier II of MoDOT’s High Priority Unfunded Needs in 2019, 2021, and 2022.
As additional funding was made available for the 2023-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), this need moved forward as a construction project. This initiated a re-evaluation of the 2009 EIS, which was completed and approved by the Federal Highway Administration in June 2025.
Why is it necessary to realign the corridor?
This project will realign U.S. Route 63 from south of U.S. Route 50 to the Maries River, expanding the current two-lane highway to a four-lane divided highway, in order to address safety concerns. In the past 10 years, this corridor has seen 190 crashes that have resulted in seven fatalities, 12 serious injuries, and 80 minor injuries.
What about the other sections identified in the EIS?
A few sections have been identified as priorities by local officials and regional planning commissions and added to the High Priority Unfunded Needs list. As funding becomes available, MoDOT will also work to address those sections.
Will this project expand the highway?
Yes. The existing two-lane roadway with 12-foot driving lanes would be upgraded to a four-lane divided highway connected to Westphalia via an interchange.
Why not add a center turn lane to the existing highway through Westphalia?
With more than 8,000 average daily travelers, the existing U.S. Route 63 has more traffic than is ideal for a two-lane highway. Adding a center turn lane would not help with the number of vehicles on the road. While it would slightly reduce the number of conflict points, it would not reduce right-angle (T-bone) crashes, which pose the most risk for serious and fatal injuries.
What about access to Missouri Route 133?
This option has been considered, and multiple ideas were explored. All options did not provide safer, cheaper, or better options than the proposed interchange approximately 4,000 feet from the Maries River Bridge.
In addition, the height differential between Route 133 and where the new alignment is proposed would require long ramps, additional right of way, and the acquisition of two additional properties.
Making the connection to the existing alignment at Route 133 would move the Westphalia community’s connection further north, eliminating a more southern connection which has been requested by stakeholders and local residents.
How will this realignment improve safety?
The proposed new alignment of U.S. Route 63 will improve safety by adding additional lanes and increasing roadway capacity for the more than 8,000 travelers who use the road each day, reducing the number of sharp curves, and minimizing the number of conflict points.
How will traffic be impacted during construction?
Traffic impacts will not be determined until the new alignment is further along in the design process.
Who can I contact with further questions?
You may email cdcr@modot.mo.gov or call us at 888 ASK MODOT (1-888-275-6636). Please reference U.S. Route 63 realignment in Osage County on your inquiries.
How can I stay updated on the project’s progress?
Sign up for project-specific updates using the form below.
The comment period for this project closed on Sept. 4, 2025.