Extending Route M Box Culvert over Mill Dam Creek, Shared-Use Path in Iron County

Section 4(f)

Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966 (49 USC 303), hereinafter referred to as "Section 4(f),” protects publicly owned parks, recreation areas, wildlife refuges, waterfowl refuges, and significant historic resources. Below is the Section 4(f) property identified by MoDOT. If you are aware of any other potential Section 4(f) resources, please comment on them as per instructed below.

Ironton’s Shepherd Mountain Lake Park: The proposed project will require approximately 0.21 acres of new right of way from the City of Ironton’s Shepherd Mountain Lake Park. Park access will remain open throughout construction. However, the east park entrance along Route M will be temporarily closed to allow construction of a new pedestrian shared-use path. During this time, the west entrance to the park (located along Route M) will remain open for public use. The Shepard Mountain trailhead on Shepherd Mountain Road will remain open for public use at all times throughout the project.

Tentatively, the project is expected to be let in February 2027, with construction beginning as early as spring 2027. Construction is expected to be underway for approximately three months. During this time, Route M will be reduced to one lane with temporary traffic signals in place to guide one-way traffic through the work zone.

Public comments were accepted April 10 - May 1, 2026. During this time, MoDOT received a lot of great feedback regarding the proposed improvements to add a shared‑use path along Route M in Iron County. We’ve also heard many helpful suggestions about other locations in the community where improvements are needed.

This project was identified through the MoDOT Planning Partner Framework, which helps our regional planning partners evaluate and prioritize transportation needs each year. We encourage you to continue sharing your thoughts with both MoDOT and your local representatives, as your input directly contributes to the regional unfunded needs list and helps guide what may be considered when future funding becomes available.

Each year, a draft version of this report is also available for public comment. This gives customers an opportunity to review proposed projects and let us know if anything may have been overlooked. We encourage you to visit Missouri's High-Priority Unfunded Needs | Missouri Department of Transportation page on the MoDOT website annually to review the list and offer input.

Thanks again for taking the time to reach out—your involvement truly helps us understand and plan for your community’s needs.