Districts Impacted
Missouri Route 47 and the Union Pacific Railroad in Washington County, north of Potosi, are currently intersecting at ground level, commonly referred to as an at grade intersection. A safety improvement is planned which will realign the road and raise it over the railroad, eliminating an intersection where vehicles cross railroad tracks. These improvements will enhance safety, drivability, and traffic flow.
Project Progress
The Missouri Department of Transportation is currently designing functionality and safety improvements, including installing a bridge over the railroad and changing the alignment of the roadway. The project requires the acquisition of approximately 11 acres of right of way.
As of March 19, 2025, the estimated cost for these improvements, including construction and engineering, is $8,608,000. This cost is subject to change.
Comment period: April 1 – 22, 2025
During the three-week comment period that runs April 1 – 22, 2025, the community and interested parties have multiple avenues to learn about, ask questions, and submit input regarding the planned work and associated traffic impacts.
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In person: An open-house style public meeting is being held Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., at Fyre Lake Winery (12902 State Highway 47, Cadet, MO, 63630). The project team will be on hand to answer questions, provide information, and receive input about the project. There will be no formal presentation, so attendees may come and go as they please at any time during the advertised hours.
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Online:.All meeting exhibits will be available on this website and feedback will be accepted through April 22, 2025, using the online form below.
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By email: Send your comments by April 22, 2025, to CDCR@modot.mo.gov with the subject line: Washington County Route 47 Union Pacific Railroad Project.
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By traditional mail: Comments may be mailed (postmarked by April 22, 2025) to Missouri Department of Transportation, 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Please reference Washington County Route 47 Union Pacific Railroad Project.
The project is currently scheduled to be part of MoDOT's January 2026 letting when contractors may submit competitive bids. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission may award the contract as part of their February 2026 meeting and, if the contract is awarded, a notice to proceed date will also be given. That is the earliest date the contractor may begin work.
At this time, construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2026 and be complete by Dec. 1, 2026. The current plan will keep Route 47 open during the construction of the new bridge. Once the bridge is complete there will be a closure to tie in the new bridge and alignment. During that closure a detour will be signed using Routes 21, 8 and 67. Roderick Road will also be realigned and access to Route 47 will be maintained for the duration of the project.
Current Route 47 & Railroad Crossing
New Alignment and Bridge Map
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is MoDOT changing the roadway?
By building a new bridge over the railroad and realigning Route 47, the road will have less intersecting contact points and increase traffic flow by allowing citizens to travel uninterrupted over the railroad.
How will the new bridge construction affect traffic?
The current plan will keep the current Route 47 open while the new alignment and bridge are being built. Once completed, closure of Route 47 will be needed to tie the new and existing roadways together. The amount of time needed for the tie in has not yet been determined and updates will be provided closer to that time. A signed detour will be posted over Routes 67, 8, and 21.
What if I have further questions?
You may email CDCR@modot.mo.gov or call us at 888 ASK MODOT (1-888-275-6636). Please reference Washington County Route 47 Union Pacific Railroad Project on your inquiries.
How can I stay updated on the project’s progress?
Sign up for project-specific updates using the form below.