U.S. Route 54 Intersection Improvements in Cole County

The four-mile section of U.S. Route 54 between United Road and Gray Road, south of Brazito, has a history of serious and fatal crashes. In the last 10 years, from 2015-2025, there have been 227 crashes resulting in five people losing their lives and 21 people left with serious or debilitating injuries. Of those 227 crashes, 63 percent (143 crashes) occurred in the westbound lanes and 18 percent at intersections. 

More than 20,000 vehicles use this section of highway on an average day, which, when coupled with high rates of speed, and multiple intersections and median crossings, poses an increased potential for crashes. In addition, when this section of U.S. 54 was built in 1932, it was a two-lane roadway and when the roadway was expanded, the two westbound lanes stayed on the original alignment, on a curve.

MoDOT is in the planning stages of a project to enhance the safety of this corridor by reducing the number of crossings and realigning the westbound lanes of U.S. 54 to eliminate the curve, while minimizing the impact on people, property, and the environment.