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 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.
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.
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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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...
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Airport Road Bridge in Jefferson City to close April 8
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Callaway County Route W (Airport Road) over U.S. Route 54 in Jefferson City will close for rehabilitation work in April. Construction crews anticipate restricting all access to the bridge for up to 60 days beginning the morning...
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Improvements to U.S. Route 54 in Jefferson City to start in March
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Five projects aimed to enhance safety, ease congestion, and prolong the life expectancy of roads and bridges along the busy U.S. Route 54 corridor in Jefferson City are planned in 2024, with three of these improvement projects...
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REMINDER: MoDOT to Hold Public Meeting About Planned Route 54 Improvements in Jefferson City
JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Transportation will host a public meeting to discuss recently-unveiled plans to make improvements to U.S. Route 54 in northern Jefferson City.
Motorists and area residents are invited to the meeting... -
MoDOT Unveils Plans for Improvements to Route 54 in Jefferson City
JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has announced plans to make safety improvements and expand traffic capacity along U.S. Route 54 in northern Jefferson City. Plans and details are currently available on the MoDOT...
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.