Districts Impacted
WIDENING EASTBOUND U.S. ROUTE 54 IN NORTH JEFFERSON CITY
Improvements are needed to create a safer, more efficient, and more reliable flow for the high volume of traffic using U.S. Route 54 in North Jefferson City. Around 56,000 vehicles travel along U.S. Route 54 between Main Street and the U.S. Route 63/Missouri Route 94 interchange each day.
This project includes:
- Restriping eastbound U.S. Route 54 over the Missouri River to four lanes.
- Adding a third continuous lane of travel to eastbound U.S. Route 54 from the Missouri River bridge to U.S. Route 63.
- Adding auxiliary lanes to the eastbound ramp terminal at the U.S. Route 54/U.S. Route 63 interchange.
- Realigning the intersection of Wehmeyer Drive and Route 94 to the entrance of Hitachi Energy, LLC.
These improvements were identified through the High Priority Unfunded Needs process and added to Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
Westbound U.S. Route 54
In August 2023, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission voted to separate widening U.S. Route 54 into two projects: eastbound and westbound. Moving forward with widening the westbound traveled way will require additional steps and a prolonged timeframe, which you can learn about here: https://www.modot.org/us-route-54-westbound-widening-callaway-and-cole.
PROJECT PROGRESS
The Missouri Department of Transportation and its contractors developed plans to reconfigure the traveled way to enhance the drivability on U.S. Route 54 from Main Street to the U.S. Route 63/Route 94 interchange. Several options were taken under consideration along with public input before determining the final design.
Public Meeting
An open-house style public meeting was held Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Jefferson City John. G. Christy Municipal Building. Attendees were able to view the design proposal options, ask questions of the project team, and submit comments. Comments were also able to be submitted online and by mail.
Meeting Exhibits
At the link below, find all exhibits presented at the in-person meeting. Comments were also accepted via an online form and by mail from Dec. 28, 2022, through Jan. 20, 2023.
The original design concepts included improvements to both eastbound and westbound U.S. Route 54. However, additional steps are needed before MoDOT will be able to proceed with efforts to ease congestion in the westbound lanes. On Aug. 1, 2023, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved making eastbound and westbound U.S. Route 54 separate projects.
Learn more about the westbound improvements here: www.modot.org/us-route-54-westbound-widening-callaway-and-cole.
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded a $24,463,380.36 contract to Magruder Paving, LLC to complete this project and three others (U.S. Route 54 pavement resurfacing in Callaway County, rehabilitation work on three bridges over U.S. Route 54 in Callaway County, and intersection improvements at U.S. Route 54 and Old Jefferson City Road).
Construction began on March 11, 2024. Work will require lane shifts, temporary lanes closures, and some temporary narrowed lanes. U.S. Route 54 will remain open through the duration of the project.
Associated projects in the area will close the bridges over U.S. Route 54 on Callaway County Route W, Route 94, and U.S. Route 63.
Work is projected to be completed in May 2024.
Project Exhibits
Project Details
Overview of the finalized design plans for improvements to U.S. Route 54 eastbound.
Overview of the finalized design plans for improvements to U.S. Route 54 eastbound.
January 2023 Meeting Exhibits
Proposed changes presented at the January 2023 public meeting.
Proposed changes presented at the January 2023 public meeting.
PROJECT UPDATES
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Airport Road overpass bridge in Jefferson City reopens
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Callaway County Route W (Airport Road) overpass bridge over U.S. Route 54 in Jefferson City is now open. Construction crews completed the rehabilitation work and reopened the overpass bridge to all traffic today, April 23, well...
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is MoDOT expanding U.S. Route 54 in North Jefferson City?
With approximately 56,000 vehicles using U.S. Route 54 between Main Street and U.S. Route 63/Route 94 interchange each day, improvements are needed to create a safer, more efficient, and more reliable flow of traffic. The additional eastbound lane will help minimize congestion and improve traffic flow.
How will the work affect traffic?
Work will require lane shifts, temporary lane closures, and possibly some temporary narrowed lanes. U.S. Route 54 will remain open through the duration of the project. The majority of work is expected to take place between 7 p.m. – 6 a.m. to reduce the impact to the traveling public.
Who can I contact with further questions?
You may email cdcr@modot.mo.gov or call us at 888 ASK MODOT (1-888-275-6636). Please reference U.S. Route 54 Eastbound Widening on your inquiries.
How can I stay updated on the project’s progress?
Sign up for project-specific updates using the form below.
Project Coordination
Other improvements to U.S. Route 54 in the vicinity include washing the bridges over the Missouri River, pavement improvements, and rehabilitation work on several bridges.