Concern that Jefferson City MoDot project may affect summer travel

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Concerns over the Missouri Department of Transportation's U.S. Route 54 improvement project in Jefferson City affecting summertime travel were brought to the table at Monday night's Jefferson City Council meeting.

According to MoDoT's website, its work on Route 54 is part of an improvement project in Jefferson City. Route 54 will be narrowed to one lane in each direction between the Missouri River and Business Route 50. On its website, MoDOT said construction will start sometime in June, but there is no exact start date, and work would be done through September.

Councilman Mark Schwartz brought forth his concerns that the construction would be a hassle for drivers during planned summertime events.

Schwartz pointed out the traffic concerns because the work would be happening during the 4th of July and Labor Day. These are considered busy times, especially with people who might be going to the Lake of the Ozarks.

"I think you're looking at traffic backed up miles and miles. Which does us no favor in this town," said Schwartz.

Schwartz wants MoDoT to consider holding off until after September and wants the other council members to put together a statement to send to MoDoT.