Districts Impacted
The current design of U.S. Route 54 in Camdenton does not adequately support the more than 10,000 vehicles using the corridor from Business Route 5 to Bumper Hill Road each day. Widening this section of roadway to reduce congestion was prioritized by local officials and the regional planning commission, Lake of the Ozarks Council of Local Governments.
The current plan will expand the current three-lane highway to five lanes, providing two lanes of travel in each direction with a shared center turn lane. Included in the project are drainage improvements, as well as new curbs and entrance approaches.
While construction was initially slated to begin in the summer of 2024 and wrap up in 2025, the project was moved back one year to allow for the relocation of utilities in the construction corridor. Work is now expected to begin in November 2025 and wrap up by the end of 2027.
Project Progress
MoDOT and its consultant are designing an expanded highway to reduce the congestion on U.S. Route 54 through Camdenton. Public input resulted in alterations to the preliminary designs (linked below).
In early 2024, MoDOT's Right of Way department began working to acquire easements and a small bit of right of way to complete the project. The affected property owners have been involved throughout the process.
The total estimated cost for this project, including engineering, right-of-way costs, and construction, is $8.1 million. This cost may change.
Public Meeting
A public meeting was held Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Camdenton-Area Chamber Office, located at 739 West U.S. Highway 54 in Camdenton. Attendees were able to view the design proposal, ask questions of the project team, and submit comments. Comments were also accepted online and by mail.
Meeting Exhibits
At the link below, find the preliminary plans and aerial overview of the project presented at the in-person meeting.
The project was part of MoDOT's June 2025 letting when contractors submitted competitive bids. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded a $6,858,291.67 contract to Capital Paving & Construction, LLC at their July 2025 meeting. At that time, the contractor was given a notice to proceed date of Aug. 11, 2025. That is the earliest date the contractor may begin work. The contract completion date is Nov. 1, 2027.
Construction crews anticipate starting work in early November. U.S. Route 54 will remain open throughout construction, but the work will require lane shifts, temporary lane closures, and some narrowed lanes.
The contract states all work must be completed by Nov. 1, 2027.
Meeting Materials
Project News & Updates
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Widening of U.S. Route 54 in Camdenton to begin in early November
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Upgrades to U.S. Route 54 in Camdenton are set to get underway. On Nov. 3, construction crews working with the Missouri Department of Transportation will begin widening the road from Business Route 5 to Bumper Hill Road. During...
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Public Meeting to Discuss Route 54 Improvements in Camdenton
CAMDENTON – The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will host a public meeting on Tuesday, November 15, to discuss proposed improvements along U.S. Route 54 in Camdenton.
Motorists and area residents are invited to the meeting, which will...
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What improvements are being planned?
The current three-lane highway through Camdenton will be expanded to five lanes, providing two lanes of travel in each direction with a shared center turn lane. Included in the project are drainage improvements and new curbs and entrance approaches.
Why was the project moved back one year?
Construction was initially slated to begin in the summer of 2024, but additional time was needed for the relocation of utilities. Work is now anticipated to begin in November 2025.
Can MoDOT accomplish this within the existing right of way?
MoDOT is working with property owners to acquire the necessary easements for this work.
How would construction impact traffic?
U.S. Route 54 will remain open throughout construction, but the work will require lane shifts, temporary lane closures, and some narrowed lanes. Entrances to properties along the corridor may require temporary reductions or size limitation, which will be coordinated with affected property owners.
When is construction expected to take place?
Construction is anticipated to begin in November 2025. The contract states work must be complete by Nov. 1, 2027.
What if I have 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 Highway Widening in Camdenton project on your inquiries.
How can I stay updated on the project’s progress?
Sign up for project-specific updates using the form below.