U.S. Route 60 Conceptual Study in New Madrid and Scott Counties

Public Meeting Held Dec. 19, 2024

MoDOT held a public meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19 to discuss the Route 60 conceptual study in New Madrid and Scott Counties. 

This study includes an 11-mile section of U.S. Route 60 from the I-55/I-57/US 60 interchange in Sikeston, Missouri to County Road 593. The study is the first step in a multi-phase process to extend Interstate 57 from I-55 in Sikeston, Missouri to Little Rock, Arkansas. This 11-mile section is currently unfunded for construction.

What is the current situation?

U.S. Route 60 currently runs east-west across southern Missouri. The segment of interest is a four-lane divided highway running from I-55 and I-57 near Sikeston west to Poplar Bluff. This roadway carries between 9,600 and 15,300 vehicles per day, including 3,600 trucks. There is interest in extending I-57 west from its current terminus at I-55 along U.S. 60 to Poplar Bluff and then south on U.S. 67 to the Arkansas border. The ultimate goal is to complete I-57 from I-55 in Sikeston, Missouri to Little Rock, Arkansas. 

What is the study about?

To extend I-57, it will be necessary to upgrade U.S.  60 to interstate standards. The corridor includes many at-grade intersections in addition to multiple field entrances, median crossovers, and private driveways. MoDOT has initiated this study to take a preliminary look at options for upgrading the roadway to improve safety and traffic flow. Engineers will consider factors such as roadway capacity, local access, safety, environmental issues, and the movement of goods. The study is anticipated to be the first step in a multi-step process to upgrade U.S. 60.

What area is being studied?

This study includes an 11-mile section of U.S. 60 from the I-55/I-57/60 interchange on the east to County Road 593 on the west.