MoDOT decides against road diet on Business 60, city opts for increased police presence

After discussions with the Missouri Department of Transportation, the City of Poplar Bluff has agreed to increase the law enforcement presence along Business 60/Pine Street. Increased enforcement will be implemented instead of reconfiguring the roadway with a road diet.

MoDOT initially proposed updating the roadway from an undivided 4-lane to a 3-lane with one eastbound lane, a center turn lane and one westbound lane.

“Mayor Cornman and our City Council wanted us to explore other options after receiving feedback from local residents and area businesses regarding the proposed road diet,” said Poplar Bluff City Manager Robert Knodell. “While we support MoDOT’s efforts to increase safety on Business 60, we were hearing too many concerns about potential impacts.”

Poplar Bluff Police Department Chief Mike McClain has commenced enforcement planning, assignments, and collaboration for enhanced efforts along the roadway.

MoDOT District Engineer Mark Croarkin explained the City of Poplar Bluff reached out to collaborate on a new plan that would also offer safety benefits.

“Safety has three components—engineering, enforcement and education. Through the road diet, we offered an engineering solution, but enforcement is also a vital part of safety,” said Croarkin.

With Poplar Bluff’s commitment to enforcement, MoDOT’s upcoming project will now only include resurfacing from Route W to Route B. MoDOT will not pursue plans for a road diet in this location. The roadway will be restriped to maintain its current configuration following the resurfacing project.

The resurfacing project will be tentatively let in April 2025, with completion anticipated in fall 2026.