U.S. Route 61 Safety and Traffic Study in St. Charles County

Project Summary

MoDOT is performing a Traffic Safety & Operations study for the corridor of US 61 from the I-64/I-70 interchange to the Lincoln County line.  Engineers will review safety and crash data for the corridor, as well as review current and projected traffic volumes based on anticipated developments in the area.  MoDOT is anticipating a public open house to be held in fall 2025 to discuss the findings, as well as present alternatives that were studied and a final preferred alternative for additional study.

Is anything funded for construction?

Approximately $40 million (Assuming STIP-Statewide Transportation Improvement Program approved) has been allocated for construction of corridor improvements starting in 2027.  The purpose of this study was to determine needs along the corridor, what can be constructed with the funding currently allocated and estimate additional funding needed to complete additional improvements in the future.   Those additional future corridor improvements are unfunded, but will be prioritized on MoDOT’s High-Priority Unfunded Needs List utilizing the traditional planning process.

What will the first improvements look like?

The study team confirmed and recommended the construction of a grade-separate interchange on Highway W at US-61 which would replace the current at-grade median crossover that exists today.  To provide local users full access to the 61/W interchange, the study recommended constructing/connecting outer roads along both side of US-61 between Dietrich Road and McHugh Road.  These initial outer road segments would allow for the closure of the remaining at-grade median crossovers in St. Charles County.  The current conceptual configuration for the proposed 61/W interchange is a “dogbone” style with roundabouts at each end of the future bridge, similar to the 64/Prospect dogbone interchange in Lake St. Louis.  

Will MoDOT need additional land for the improvements?

Construction of the outer roads and interchange will require several right-of-way purchases, but haven’t been specifically identified at this stage.