Districts Impacted
WESTBOUND U.S. ROUTE 54 WIDENING IN NORTH JEFFERSON CITY
Through the High Priority Unfunded Needs process, MoDOT identified improvements to the U.S. Route 54 corridor between U.S. Route 63 and the Missouri River bridges. This includes expanding the westbound traveled way and reconfiguring the ramps for a safer and improved flow of traffic.
The extended right-of-way acquisition process has pushed the planned letting and contract award for the westbound expansion project to Fiscal Year 2026, subject to change.
Eastbound U.S. Route 54
In August 2023, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved separating the widening of U.S. Route 54 into two projects: eastbound and westbound. Learn about the completed eastbound expansion here: www.modot.org/us-route-54-eastbound-widening-callaway-and-cole.
PROJECT PROGRESS
MoDOT and its contractor designed multiple options to address the needs of motorists travelling on U.S. Route 54 westbound between U.S Route 63 and the Missouri River bridge. Widening and improving the traveled way will require right of way acquisition.
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 conceptions included improvements to both directions of travel on U.S. Route 54. After receiving comments, feedback and input from stakeholders and the community at-large, it was determined that additional right of way would be necessary to complete the westbound expansion.
However, the lengthy process to acquire necessary right of way requires additional time before MoDOT will be able to proceed with westbound decongestion efforts. 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 eastbound improvements here: www.modot.org/us-route-54-eastbound-widening-callaway-and-cole.
During the three-week comment period that will run May 6 -27, 2025, the community and interested parties have multiple avenues to learn about, ask questions, and submit input regarding the planned work and associated traffic impacts.
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In person - An open-house style public hearing is being held Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Jefferson City John. G. Christy Municipal Building, 320 E McCarty St. The project team will be on hand to answer questions, provide information, and receive input about the project. There will be no formal presentation, so attendees may come and go as they please at any time during the advertised hours.
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Online. All meeting exhibits will be available on this website and feedback will be accepted through the online form below.
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By email – Send your comments to CDCR@modot.mo.gov with the subject line: Westbound U.S. Route 54 Expansion in Jefferson City.
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By traditional mail – Comments may be mailed to Missouri Department of Transportation, 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Please reference Westbound U.S. Route 54 Expansion in Jefferson City Project.
The project is expected to be part of MoDOT's November 2025 letting when contractors submit competitive bids. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission may award the contract as part of their December 2025 meeting and, if the contract is awarded, a notice to proceed date will also be given. That is the earliest date the contractor may begin work.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026. Proposed work would require lane shifts, temporary lane closures, and possibly some temporary narrowed lanes.
2023 Meeting Materials
Proposed Changes
Proposed changes presented at the January 2023 public meeting. A final design for the U.S. Route 54 westbound improvements has yet to be determined.
Proposed changes presented at the January 2023 public meeting. A final design for the U.S. Route 54 westbound improvements has yet to be determined.
Project Updates
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Input sought on changes to U.S. Route 54 and Airport Road interchange in Jefferson City
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – The Missouri Department of Transportation is seeking community input on expanding westbound U.S. Route 54 and reconfiguring the interchange with Callaway County Route W (Airport Road) in North Jefferson City. Public input is...
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is MoDOT expanding U.S. Route 54 in North Jefferson City?
With around 56,000 vehicles daily using U.S. Route 54 between Main Street and U.S. Route 63/Route 94 interchange, improvements are needed to create a safer, more efficient, and more reliable flow of traffic. The additional lane would help minimize congestion and improve traffic flow.
Why are eastbound and westbound U.S. Route 54 separate?
A lengthy right of way acquisition process extended the possible start date for construction on the westbound traveled way. With the eastbound right of way process complete and funding currently available, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved splitting each direction of U.S. Route 54 into its own project.
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 Westbound Widening North Jefferson City on your inquiries.
How can I stay updated on the project’s progress?
Sign up for project-specific updates using the form below.