Districts Impacted
Project Summary
MoDOT and consultants from Bartlett & West are designing a project to improve the intersection of U.S. Route 36 and Mitchell Avenue in Chillicothe. The project is being designed to improve traffic flow and reduce crash points at the existing crossover by adding a J-turn to the east of the current crossover and improving the U.S. Routes 36 and 65 intersections.
With a J-turn, motorists will no longer cross multiple lanes of fast-moving traffic. Drivers at a J-turn intersection turn right in the same direction of traffic, merge into the passing lane, and then make a U-turn in the direction they intend to travel.
Project Progress
MoDOT is working with Bartlett & West to design a project to replace the intersection of U.S. Route 36 and Mitchell Avenue with a J-turn.
The project design is in the early preliminary stages. More information and visuals will be added to this page as they become available.
A public meeting will be held in Chillicothe on Wednesday, July 22, from 4-6 p.m. at the Home of Sliced Bread Welcome Center (100 Elm Street, Chillicothe, MO 64601) to discuss upcoming intersection improvement projects on Livingston County U.S. Route 36 at both Mitchell Avenue (Chillicothe) and Route B (Wheeling). No formal presentation will be made.
If you are unable to attend the open-house meetings, two other opportunities for public comment are available through Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
1. Use the comment form at the bottom of this webpage.
2. Mail your comments to:
U.S. Route 36 intersection improvements in Livingston County
Missouri Department of Transportation
3602 North Belt Highway
St. Joseph, MO 64506
All comments must be postmarked by Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
MoDOT is committed to providing equal access to this event for all participants. If you need a reasonable accommodation or translation services, please contact Northwest District Communications at 816-901-4529 by Friday, July 17.
Contractors may submit competitive bids during MoDOT's scheduled lettings. This project is scheduled to be in the February 2027 letting. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission will consider all submitted bids at its scheduled monthly meeting in March 2027.
After the project is awarded, MoDOT will work with the contractor to determine a construction schedule.
Project News
Project Map
Learn About J-turns
The J-turn is an alternative to traditional roadway intersections on a four-lane highway. The point of these turns is to greatly reduce a significant number of severe crashes common when drivers must cross-over busy highways to reach another road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What traffic impacts will there be during construction?
More information on traffic impacts will be provided here as plans are developed.
Will this project require right of way?
Yes, this project is anticipated to have both permanent and temporary right-of-way needs.
How can I stay updated on the project’s progress?
Use the form below provide feedback and to sign up for project-specific updates delivered directly to your email inbox.
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Questions may be left by calling 888 ASK MODOT (888-275-6636) or emailing nwcr@modot.mo.gov.