Project Details

Following the end of the public comment period, the comments were reviewed and discussed by the MoDOT project team. In general, there were two reoccurring comments: Route 19/Business 63 traffic does not stop or pulls out in front of Route 63 traffic and vehicles are driving too fast on Route 63.

To address the first concern, MoDOT’s plan includes installing raised concrete islands with a stop sign and painted stop bar next to the island along with adding offset right-turn lanes. This is designed to better get drivers’ attention and increase the line of sight. The existing overhead flashing red and yellow lights will remain in place.

To address the second concern, MoDOT will continue working with city officials to investigate methods of reducing traffic speeds. Comments regarding enforcement have been shared with city officials, as MoDOT is not an enforcement agency.

In addition, we received questions about the possibility of installing traffic signals at this location. This intersection was studied using nationwide criteria to determine if traffic signals were warranted based on many factors, including traffic volume and crash history.  This intersection did not meet warrants for a traffic signal. Installing traffic signals at an unwarranted location could adversely impact safety and lead to a higher crash rate.

After reviewing the public comments, researching crash history and studying the signal warrant criteria, MoDOT believes the proposal to install islands, stop signs, stop bars and offset right-turn lanes is the best course of action at this time. 

Construction could begin as early as spring 2022. Most of the construction will be completed with minor impacts to traffic, such as a reduced speed through the work zone. There will be times when traffic is reduced to a two-way, one-lane operation using flagger control.