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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Third eastbound U.S. Route 54 lane in Jefferson City now in use
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Adding an additional lane to eastbound U.S. Route 54 in Jefferson City, north of the Missouri River, is now complete. Motorists began using the third lane this morning, Aug. 29.
The base of the third lane was constructed...
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U.S. Route 54 in Jefferson City lanes reduced for bridge work over U.S. Route 50
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Significant travel delays are expected on U.S. Route 54 in Jefferson City beginning later this month. When the bridge rehabilitation project begins, Route 54 will be narrowed to one lane in each direction between the Missouri...
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Wehmeyer Drive at Route 94 in Jefferson City now open
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Construction crews completed safety improvements to Wehmeyer Drive at Missouri Route 94 in Jefferson City and reopened the road today.
Wehmeyer Drive has been realigned with the entrance to Hitachi Energy and a left-turn lane...
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RESCHEDULED: Wehmeyer Drive at Route 94 in Jefferson City to close May 20
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Construction crews have rescheduled the planned closure of Wehmeyer Drive at Route 94 in Jefferson City. Weather permitting, the roadway will now close Monday, May 20, and remain closed around-the-clock for up to five days. Moto...
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Temporary barrier, speed reduction to be removed from eastbound U.S. Route 54 in Jefferson City
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Construction of the base for a third lane on eastbound U.S. Route 54 in Jefferson City is set to be complete this week – but it will not be drivable until late summer. The base of the roadway is complete, but until the asphalt...
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.