I-57 progresses while officials decry MoDOT delays

In a letter to Director of the Missouri Department of Transportation Ed Hassinger, Rep. Hardy Billington communicated frustration at the agency’s delay in using the $90 million in state highway funds to complete the I-57/Highway 67 project. Representatives Cameron Parker, Donnie Brown, Keith Elliott and Steve Jordan also signed the letter.

This coalition stands, “united in urging MoDOT to make these projects a top priority. The overwhelming legislative support for this funding demonstrates the necessity of these improvements, and we trust MoDOT will ensure their timely execution,” the letter affirmed. “MoDOT’s delay in spending the funds and moving the project forward is unacceptable.”

Former Governor Mike Parson signed the $90 million in question, along with $60 million from general revenue, into law for I-57 in Poplar Bluff last July.

At a Highway 67 Corporation Meeting at the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce Friday morning, Billington asserted, “That $90 million will get the job done. It will save lives. It will help that whole Southeast Missouri corridor.”

He praised the efforts of Gov. Mike Kehoe to keep the project moving along.

“One of his top priorities is to get the thing done,” he highlighted.

While state-level officials appear slow to release the funds, local MoDOT representatives expressed strong enthusiasm for rapid progress. Engineers Mark Croarkin and Jason Williams said Phase 4 of the project will be going out for contract bidding by May of 2026.

“I’m going to be pushing to get 67 done,” Croarkin stated.

Sen. Jason Bean commented, while the timeline may seem extended, next year is a brisk pace for government work.

“2026 is pretty fast,” he remarked.

Williams informed attendees that phases 3 and 4 are presently in the design stage.

Chairman of the Highway 67 Corporation Bill Robison updated attendees on the progress of I-57 in Arkansas. He recounted the groundbreaking of the Corning bypass on Nov. 6 and the official I-57 designation for the segment from Little Rock to Walnut Ridge.

The Corning bypass also received a $25 million federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant. North of the border, stakeholders are planning a trip to Washington, D.C. to lobby for federal funding. Bean confirmed Kehoe will be coming along to add to the impact of the delegation.

“This has been a group effort,” he noted. “It’s a good time to be in Southeast Missouri.”

Chamber of Commerce President Steve Halter added anticipation and excitement continue to build.

“The general public is so excited about this,” he said.