Districts Impacted
Project Summary
The Missouri Department of Transportation is administering a project in partnership with Evergy, Inc. to improve the intersection of U.S. Route 71 and 340th Street in Nodaway County ahead of the construction of a new natural gas plant. During construction of the plant, an increase of approximately 400 vehicles per day is expected through the intersection.
To improve traffic flow, reduce crash points, and accommodate increased traffic, the recommendation is to replace the existing crossover with J-turns. 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 Timeline
MoDOT is working with Evergy, Inc and consultants from Burns & McDonnell to design a project to replace the crossover intersection at U.S. Route 71 and 340th Street with J-turns. The project is being funded by Evergy, Inc.
This phase includes project design, determining traffic control and public outreach.
Public Input Opportunity
MoDOT offered three opportunities to provide community feedback regarding the intersection improvement project: an in-person public meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at the Maryville Public Safety Training Room (101 N. Vine Street, Maryville); the ability to mail in comments; or to provide comments online.
The project will be let for contractor bidding in April 2026. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission may award the contract at their May 2026 meeting.
Construction may begin as early as June 2026. A contracted completion date has not yet been determined, but the project is expected to take one construction season.
News Releases
-
MoDOT to host public meeting on Nodaway County U.S. Route 71 intersection improvement project
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Transportation is administering a project in partnership with Evergy, Inc. to improve the intersection of U.S. Route 71 and 340th Street ahead of the construction of a new natural gas plant south of...
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
Will the road be closed?
No, U.S. Route 71 and 340th Street will remain open during construction. However, U.S. Route 71 will be narrowed to one lane, each direction. Travelers may experience delays during construction.
Will this project require any Right of Way?
No right of way is needed for this project.
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.
How will this affect agricultural traffic?
During the in-person public meeting, concerns were expressed that agricultural traffic would have to travel on U.S. Route 71 for a longer period of time with a J-turn than traveling through the existing intersection. In response, MoDOT, working with Evergy Inc. and their consultants from Burns & McDonnell, adjusted project plans to extend the deceleration lane of the northbound U.S. Route 71 J-turn further south toward the intersection of 340th Street.
Also, MoDOT maintenance crews will be working this spring at the intersection U.S. Route 71 and Route U to remove the islands in the median crossover and relocate yield signs to improve maneuverability for larger vehicles.
Need more information?
We're here to help! If you're looking for additional information, you can contact us at:
- nwcr@modot.mo.gov
- 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888 275-6636) - reference Northwest District Nodaway County U.S. 71 J-Turn Project
- Sign up for eUpdates: Customer Service Signon (mo.gov)