Several intersections along route 54 will undergo revamping in the coming weeks

An effort to improve safety at several intersections along U.S. Route 54 near Eugene, Eldon and Lake Ozark will begin this week. Missouri Department of Transportation contractor crews will begin work on Wednesday, March 16th, at the Opie/Hunter Road intersection. The following intersections are also slated for improvements in the coming months:

Atchinson Road
Route FF
Business 54 in Eldon
Route V
Lakeland Road
Walnut Grove Road
Howser Road
Allen Road/Bear Lake Road
Copperhead Road
County Road 54-60, Tolwood Road
Mount Carmel Road, Jamie Lane, and Midway Road

These locations were identified as safety risks through a road safety audit, in-depth analysis of the corridor, and a series of meetings with a local advisory group made up of local residents and leaders. Improvements at each location include safety enhancements such as the installation of J-turns, acceleration/deceleration lanes, and new or extended turning lanes.
J-turns are an alternative to traditional roadway intersections on four-lane highways. These movements eliminate the need for drivers to cross lanes of traffic at right angles. Instead of crossing fast-moving lanes of traffic to get to opposing lanes, drivers will turn right in the same direction of traffic, merge into the left lane, and then make a U-turn in the direction they intend to travel or access intersecting roadways. These movements do mean that motorists may have to travel slightly further, but J-turns can take the same or less time than waiting for a safe and appropriate gap to cross traffic. More information and an informational video on J-turns can be found at modot.org/j-turns.
Work will take place Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Installation of these enhancements will require individual lane closures and some intersection closures in order for construction to be completed safely. MoDOT will alert travelers and residents of specific closures ahead of time.