South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

Panel releases draft list of transportation priorities

It takes some time to assemble $4.8 billion in transportation projects, but the work is nearly complete.

On Friday, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission released a draft list of the transportation projects and improvements that could improve safety, create jobs and boost Missouri’s economy for the next 10 years.

Local planning agencies and transportation partners have been working with the commission and the Missouri Department of Transportation, or MoDOT, to develop the list, which was required as part of the provisions of Constitutional Amendment 7. 

“We knew the local transportation partners had to lead the way to make sure the list represented every region of the state,” MoDOT Chief Engineer Ed Hassinger stated in a news release. “Everyone benefits from transportation, but this list truly demonstrates a collaborative effort to reach the specific needs Missourians told us were the most important.”

To help gather public feedback on the draft list, the commission established a public comment period through July 3. After all public comments are reviewed, the draft list will be updated and approved by the commission at its July 9 meeting.

Open-house public meetings have been scheduled in every region of the state so local transportation planners and MoDOT representatives can answer questions and take comments about the draft list. Project lists are also available at every MoDOT district office in the state.

The entire transportation improvement list, a schedule of open-house meetings and an online comment form are available at

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On Aug, 5, Missouri voters will decide on Amendment 7, a ballot measure to temporarily raise Missouri’s sales tax by three-quarters of a cent. All proceeds from the 10-year tax would go toward much-needed transportation improvements across the state. The amendment’s provisions include the creation of a project list before the election so Missourians can see what their tax dollars would fund.

“The culmination of this process and the regional priority lists released (Friday) would mean safer transportation for all Missourians,” Hassinger stated. “We look forward to any additional feedback we receive as we finalize the priorities leading up to July 3.”