Heads up, Osage County residents and drivers: the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is seeking your thoughts on a proposed new path for U.S. Route 63. The stretch of road in question spans from south of U.S. Route 50 to the Maries River, and it's been the scene of too many fatal and serious injury crashes—a total of 190 over the last decade, to be exact. To tackle this issue, MoDOT has put forward plans for realignment and they want to hear from you.
A public hearing is set tomorrow evening, where community members can drop in, hear details about the proposal, and offer their insights. According to the official MoDOT announcement, this project aims to enhance safety by reconfiguring a portion of U.S. Route 63 that has seen seven fatalities, 12 serious injuries, and 80 minor injuries in recent years. With public involvement, the goal is to refine this project's design and make travel safer for everyone.
If you're keen on having a say, make your way to the Westphalia Knights of Columbus at 819 Highway 63 in Westphalia. The open-house style event runs from 4:30 to 6 p.m. tomorrow. There's no formal presentation, so attendees can arrive and leave at their convenience during the two-hour window. For those who prefer the digital realm, the meeting exhibits are also available online—just point your browser to MoDOT's project page.
MoDOT's team will be present at the hearing to answer questions and collect feedback. The focus of these conversations is to understand community concerns and preferences, which can play a crucial role in shaping the ultimate layout of the realignment. Public input is not only valued but essential. As MoDOT notes, the contribution of local perspectives helps to "guide the project design and construction process." Don't miss your chance to weigh in on the future of Route 63 in Osage County.
