Counties Impacted
Iron
Route Impacted
21
Work Type
Curve Improvements
In Progress
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Construction Details: Feb. 17 - Oct. 6, 2025

Route 21 in Iron County will be reduced to one lane with an 8-foot width restriction as contractor crews perform curve widening, shoulder and drainage repairs.   

This section of roadway is located from Route E near Arcadia to Route 49 near Glover, Missouri.  

Weather permitting, work will take place Monday, Feb. 17 through Monday, Oct. 6 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. There will be intermittent lane restrictions in place during working hours.  

The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.

Project Description

The Missouri Department of Transportation plans to improve Route 21/72 in Iron County. Improvements will extend from Route E near Arcadia, Missouri to Route 49 near Glover, Missouri.

Five curves will be improved along the project limits. The project includes an overlay, adding edgeline rumble stripes, widening four horizontal curves and making improvements to the horizontal curve at Royal Gorge.

Right of Way & Easements

Curves 1, 2, 3, and 5 will require right of way acquisition. A 0.92-acre permanent easement from the Ketcherside Mountain Conservation Area (Missouri Department of Conservation) will be required for curves 2, 3 and 4. In addition, a 1.58-acre permanent easement will be required for curve 5 at Royal Gorge.

Timeline & Traffic

The project is expected to be let in fall 2024, with completion anticipated in fall 2026. A closure of Route 21 at Royal Gorge is planned for a period of 30 to 45 days to complete the rock bluff excavation work. Other areas of Route 21 will consist of flagging operations. 

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Aerial Showing Curve 5 for Route 21/72 Project in Iron County

Curve Location Details

Click the link below to view a detailed aerial of each curve location.

Learn More

Curve Locations Map

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Contact Us

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Pete Berry
Pete Berry
Title
Project Manager
Department
Southeast District
Contact Info

(417) 469-6242

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Chris Crocker
Chris Crocker
Title
Project Manager
Department
Southeast District
Contact Info

(573) 380-1658