MoDOT Accepts Feedback on Proposed Road Diet for Business 60 in Poplar Bluff

SIKESTON-The Missouri Department of Transportation is currently accepting feedback for a proposed road diet on Business 60/Pine Street in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. This would include reconfiguring Business 60 from an undivided 4-lane roadway to a 3-lane with one eastbound lane, a center turn lane and one westbound lane.

"This started as an effort to address a curve east of the bridge that shows more crashes than expected when compared to similar roadways," said MoDOT Project Manager Curt Woolsey. "As we conducted an analysis, consulted with Federal Highway experts and worked with a consultant to study the area, it become clear this could also improve traffic flow."

The proposed road diet would take place from 10th Street to Route B along Business 60. The upgrade could be completed in conjunction with the upcoming project to resurface Business 60 from Route W to Route B.

"The resurfacing project is anticipated to be let in April 2025, with completion of the project anticipated in fall 2026," said Woolsey.

He explained this would be the right project to pair with a road diet, which is why MoDOT is currently reaching out to stakeholders and local residents to get their thoughts.

As far as the benefits, Woolsey explained with a current rate of approximately one crash per week, MoDOT anticipates a reduction in crashes if the road diet is implemented. It would also provide more green time for mainline traffic because the dedicated left-turn lanes at the signals would allow both eastbound and westbound traffic to go at the same time. Flashing yellow arrows for permissive left turns would also be installed for side streets.

"The other thing we have heard as we started this conversation is that lanes are narrow. As you drive along Business 60, you can see this with cars staggering in either lane instead of opting to drive side-by-side," he added.

The road diet would allow for wider lanes and a two-to-three-foot buffer space between pedestrians and traffic.

To learn more or share your thoughts, please visit www.modot.org/PBRoadDiet. Comments will be accepted through Dec. 4, 2024.

###