JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A portion of the North Jefferson City Recreation Area is anticipated to close permanently beginning next week.
On Friday, March 13, 2026, local crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation plan to permanently close the paved parking lot and playground at the North Jefferson City Recreation Area for the removal of trees. The trees must be cleared by March 31, due to environmental concerns.
Fourth Street, the sports fields to the north, and the gravel parking lot will remain open. The commuter parking lot on the east side of U.S. Route 54, off Hibernia Road, will also remain open.
The playground will be relocated to Green Berry Acres Park, with MoDOT covering to cost of removing and relocating the equipment.
The area where the paved parking lot and playground are currently located will be repurposed for a new ramp from Callaway County Route W to westbound U.S. Route 54. The new ramp is part of a project that will also widen westbound U.S. Route 54 between U.S. Route 63 and the Missouri River bridge and install a dedicated lane for southbound U.S. Route 63 onto the Missouri River Bridge. Construction could begin as early as spring 2026 – if a contract is awarded at the April 2026 Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission meeting. More information about the project can be accessed at https://www.modot.org/projects/us-route-54-westbound-widening-callaway-and-cole.
MoDOT asks all motorists to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones.
For more information about MoDOT projects, traffic updates, or other transportation-related matters, please visit our Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/ or call our 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636). While at modot.org, sign up for work zone updates sent directly to your inbox. Information is also available 24/7 by connecting with us on social media:
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