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.