Why does this study have to be done?
The Route MM Environmental Impact Study is the next step in the process of constructing the new Route MM between Route 30 and Route 21. This construction project was a recommendation of a 2002 Major Transportation Investment Analysis to meet future transportation demands in Jefferson County.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requires that any corridor, such as Route MM, that plans to seek federal funding for major construction improvements must undergo an environmental impact study. MoDOT recently began the Route MM Environmental Impact Study. This study will examine previously identified potential improvements as well as any new ones that are developed through discussions with the community and through the information gathering efforts. The environmental impacts of these alternatives on the House Springs area of Jefferson County will be analyzed in detail. The general issues to be addressed in the study include driver safety, congestion and capacity.
Study History and Background
This EIS is different from the Route W-MM Major Transportation Investment Analysis (MTIA) completed in 2002. The MTIA analyzed the area’s traffic problems on both Route W and Route MM and developed solutions. With extensive public input, the MTIA recommended improving the corridor by:
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Making safety improvements to the existing road by realignment in some areas, flattening crests and curves, adding left turn lanes, shoulders, guardrails, and rumble strips to address problems (Addressing short-term issues); and
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Constructing a new 4-lane road connecting Route MM from Heads Creek Road to Route 30 approximately ¾ mile south of the existing Route MM/30 intersection to meet 2020 travel demand (addressing long term issues).
Since the MTIA, some of the short-term safety improvements outlined above have been completed. MoDOT is currently negotiating right of way on a project to complete the remaining safety improvements to the existing road. Construction should start soon and will be completed in 2010.
However, any improvements above these relatively low-cost ones (approximately $22 million), such as constructing a new 4-lane road, must undergo an environmental impact study. As part of this study, FHWA requires that alignments identified in previous planning (the MTIA) as well as new ones must be examined.
What does this study entail?
The Route MM Environmental Study will involve a detailed analysis of the impact of both the existing and the proposed new Route MM on the area’s social, economic and cultural resources. MoDOT has hired a consulting team, led by HDR Engineering, to conduct the environmental study. The study team will follow National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements as well as other federal and state regulations. Again, following these regulations is necessary in order to seek federal funding for any major improvement that results from this study.
Public involvement is a critical component of the NEPA process and throughout the study, residents will have many opportunities to give their input. The study will result in the selection of a locally preferred alternative and what is called a “Record of Decision” issued by the FHWA on MoDOT’s behalf.
Study Timeline:
To learn more about the study process and the key milestones, click process.
To see information displayed at the public meeting click meeting.
Study Area:
Click maps to see the Route MM environmental study area.
Study Documents:
This document explains MoDOT's plan to involve the public and federal, state and local agencies for the Enviromental Impact Statement (EIS).
Coordination Plan for Agency and Public Involvement
For more information, contact:
Contact MoDOT Study Manager Kerri Yap at 1-888 ASK MODOT (275-6636) or click here to e-mail.
Contact MoDOT Area Engineer Kristy Yates at 1-888 ASK MODOT (275-6636) or click here to e-mail.
Contact MoDOT Community Relations Specialist Jack Wang at 1-888 ASK MODOT (275-6636) or click here to e-mail.
