Districts Impacted
Design upgrades are necessary to support the more than 7,000 vehicles that use the two-lane stretch of Missouri Route 52 in Versailles from Fairgrounds Road to the outdated signalized junction with Missouri Route 5. The Lake of the Ozarks Council of Local Governments and the city of Versailles worked with MoDOT to design improvements to reduce congestion and address flooding concerns along the corridor.
PROJECT PROGRESS
MoDOT designed improvements to reduce congestion by adding a center turn lane, address flooding issues by replacing existing box culverts with larger structures, and upgrade the outdated intersection at Route 52 and Route 5 in Versailles to a roundabout. Public input initiated multiple changes to the preliminary designs, including:
- Increasing the size and layout of the roundabout to better accommodate oversized vehicles, large trucks, farm equipment, etc.
- Allowing for future expansion of the roundabout by adding right-turn lanes, if needed.
- Using concrete, not asphalt, for the roundabout pavement for a longer life with fewer maintenance issues.
- Adding an additional entrance to the school to improve traffic flow during drop-off and pick-up.
- Extending the limits of the overlay.
This project requires right-of-way acquisition and some temporary easements, which are currently under negotiation with affected property owners.
The estimated cost for this work is $2.93 million. This cost may change.
Public Meeting
A public meeting was held Thursday, March 31, 2022, at the Morgan County Library, located at 600 North Hunter Street in Versailles. 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, right-of-way map, intersection comparison graphic, and roundabout use graphic presented at the in-person meeting.
As part of their June 2024 meeting, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded a $5,041,329.32 contract for this work. At that time the contractor was given a July 8, 2024, notice to proceed date - the earliest date they could begin work - and a Nov. 1, 2025, completion date.
These improvements are projected to begin in the fall of 2024 and wrap up in 2025.
Meeting Materials
Preliminary Plans
View a copy of the preliminary designs plans for improving Route 52 in Versailles from Fairgrounds Road to the outdated signalized junction with Route 5, as presented at the March 2022 public meeting.
View a copy of the preliminary designs plans for improving Route 52 in Versailles from Fairgrounds Road to the outdated signalized junction with Route 5, as presented at the March 2022 public meeting.
Right-of-Way Map
View an aerial image outlining the right of way requirements associated with the preliminary plans, as presented at the public meeting in March 2022.
View an aerial image outlining the right of way requirements associated with the preliminary plans, as presented at the public meeting in March 2022.
Additional Materials
Also presented at the March 2022 public meeting was graphics comparing potential conflict points of roundabout with standard signalized intersections and how to use a roundabout.
Also presented at the March 2022 public meeting was graphics comparing potential conflict points of roundabout with standard signalized intersections and how to use a roundabout.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What improvements are being planned?
The current two-lane section of Route 52 through Versailles will be expanded to three lanes, providing one lane of travel in each direction with a shared center turn lane. This project also includes replacing existing culverts with larger structures to address flooding concerns and removing the outdated signal at the Route 5/52 junction and installing a roundabout.
Why are the changes necessary?
Route 52 from Fairgrounds Road to the Route 5 junction does not adequately support the more than 7,000 vehicles that use the stretch of highway daily. Additionally, the signal at the Route 52/5 junction is outdated and improvements are necessary to address flooding.
Why install a roundabout instead of updating to a new signal?
Signalized intersections have approximately 20-30 conflict points (spots where vehicles could collide) while roundabouts have eight. Fewer conflict points, combined with slower speeds and calmer traffic, can translate into as much as 76% fewer crashes. Additionally, compared to a signalized intersection, roundabouts cost less each year in maintenance and have a long lifespan. More information on roundabouts: Roundabouts | Missouri Department of Transportation
What is the anticipated timeline for the project?
Construction is currently scheduled to begin in the summer of 2024 and be completed by the fall of 2025.
Can MoDOT accomplish this within the existing right of way?
MoDOT is working to acquire the necessary right of way and temporary easements for this work.
How would construction impact traffic?
Route 52 and Route 5 will remain open throughout construction, but the work will require lane shifts, temporary lane closures, narrowed lanes, and potentially some overnight lane closures.
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 Route 52 Highway Widening and Intersection Improvements in Versailles on your inquiries.
How can I stay updated on the project’s progress?
Sign up for project-specific updates using the form below.
