Districts Impacted
Project Milestones
Warsaw High School
20363 Lane of Champions, Warsaw, MO 65355
Purpose and Need:
Missouri Route 7 is a busy highway carrying a great deal of commercial and tourism traffic, especially during summer months. This stretch of Route 7 has seen a number of serious crashes including a recent fatality. This project will create a safer, more efficient roadway for drivers.
Project Information:
This is a project to make traffic flow and safety improvements along Missouri Route 7 in Henry and Benton counties between Henry County Route C and Benton County Route AA. The project includes intersection improvements at Route 7 & Cold Spring Avenue west of Warsaw; addition of pedestrian signal and other improvements at Route 7 & Main Street in Warsaw to bring intersection up to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and installing safety signage in various locations along Route 7.
NEWS RELEASES
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Project to Make Improvements Along Route 7 in Henry, Benton Counties Focus of Public Meeting July 22
Warsaw – The public is invited to participate in an in-person public meeting to learn more about plans to make traffic and safety improvements along Missouri Route 7 in Henry and Benton counties, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.
The...
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will Route 7 be closed during the intersection improvement work at Cold Spring Avenue?
No, this intersection will NOT be closed during this project. However, there may be times the highway will be closed for short periods of time to allow the contractor to move materials and equipment.
Why a roundabout instead of traffic signals at this intersection?
Signalized intersections have approximately 20-30 conflict points, or spots where vehicles could collide, roundabouts reduce that number to eight. Fewer conflict points, combined with slower speeds and calmer traffic translate into as much as 76 percent fewer crashes. Signals also increase the delay of the travelling public due to a signal's cycle time. With a roundabout, an approaching vehicle does not have to come to a complete stop unless there is already a conflicting vehicle inside the roundabout’s circle.
Will semi-trucks, school buses and other large vehicles be able to easily drive through the roundabout?
Yes, most roundabouts are designed with a truck apron to accommodate large vehicles like, semi-trucks, school buses, boats, RVs, farm equipment, etc.
Will there be any signed detours along Route 7 during this project?
No, most of this work can be accomplished without closing Route 7 to traffic. However, drivers can expect occasional lane closures, with traffic through the work zone controlled by flaggers. There will be inevitable delays and drivers are encouraged to find alternate routes to avoid the work zone.
Will any property be impacted by this project?
No, acquisition of additional right of way is not anticipated. All improvements are expected to be made within the existing MoDOT right of way.
What is the project timeline?
The project will be awarded to a contractor in February 2026, with completion expected in the fall of 2026.
How do I ask a question or leave feedback about this project?
You may fil out the comment form attached to this project page between July 15 & August 5. After that time, you may e-mail your questions/comments to swcr@modot.mo.gov or call (417) 895-7600
Project Contacts
Shannon Kellner
Title
Transportation Project Manager
Department
Southwest District
Contact Info
Email: Shannon.Kellner@modot.mo.gov
Phone: (417) 880-8046
Email: Shannon.Kellner@modot.mo.gov
Phone: (417) 880-8046
Brittany Mitchell
Title
Area Engineer
Department
Southwest District
Contact Info
Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission,
Harry S Truman Coordinating Council, JATSO &
Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission:
Barton, Bates, Benton, Cedar, Henry, Hickory, Jasper,
McDonald, Newton, St. Clair & Vernon Counties
Email: Brittany.Mitchell@modot.mo.gov
Phone: (417) 340-6468
Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission,
Harry S Truman Coordinating Council, JATSO &
Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission:
Barton, Bates, Benton, Cedar, Henry, Hickory, Jasper,
McDonald, Newton, St. Clair & Vernon Counties
Email: Brittany.Mitchell@modot.mo.gov
Phone: (417) 340-6468