Express Lane - MoDOT's 2026 Long-Range Transportation Plan approved

Click the thumbnail below for a video recap of news across the state.

View the Express Lane video for the June 11 edition.

How will Missouri's transportation system look in 2050?

State's new long-range plan charts the course ahead

The Missouri Department of Transportation is mapping out the future with a new plan built on the voices of Missourians.

The state’s newly updated Long-Range Transportation Plan establishes a roadmap through 2050, looking at emerging technologies, trends and evolving needs across the entire transportation network.

MoDOT’s public outreach was critical to developing this plan. Giving Missourians the opportunity to help shape future transportation decisions ensures MoDOT develops goals and objectives for Missourians, by Missourians. The final plan reflects this feedback for all modes of transportation, enhancing the safety and reliability of the system for the future.

While results show driving remains the dominant mode of travel in the state, the plan also provides a summary of MoDOT's State Freight and Rail Plan. This assesses Missouri’s freight and passenger rail systems and determines short-term and long-term improvement goals. Updating both plans simultaneously ensures a coordinated and well-informed development process across the entire transportation system.

The 2026 Long-Range Transportation Plan can be viewed on MoDOT’s website. The updated State Freight and Rail Plan will be available in the coming months.

MoDOT shares look behind the scenes at World Cup plans

The FIFA World Cup 2026 takes place June 11 to July 19, with the first match in Kansas City scheduled for June 16. MoDOT and local planning partners have collaborated to ensure a safe and efficient transportation system for the hundreds of thousands of visitors expected in the area. Part of that plan involves raising awareness and educating the traveling public. Read the full story for all the match dates, links, videos and information you need to know.

Contractor selected for southwest Forward 44 improvements

The Capital-CMT Team has been selected as the Design-Build contractor for the next project in MoDOT's Forward 44 effort. Forward 44: Southwest I-44 Improvements is a $471 million project that will prioritize improvements along the I-44 corridor at five locations in southwest Missouri between Fidelity and Laclede County. MoDOT will host public information meetings in summer 2026, with construction scheduled to begin later this year.

Submit nominations for 2026 Highway Safety & Traffic Awards

The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety wants to celebrate individuals, organizations and events that are helping move Missouri toward zero roadway fatalities. Nominations for the 2026 Highway Safety and Traffic Awards are due by July 31. There are four statewide awards and one award for each of the seven coalition regions. Winners will be honored at the 2026 Show-Me Zero Conference on Sept. 10. Submit a nomination.

Strap in for a safety lesson - National Secure Your Load Day

In honor of the 10th annual National Secure Your Load Day, MoDOT reminds everyone to properly strap down and cover cargo. A 2026 study estimates 454 million pieces of litter fall from unsecured loads nationwide. Litter is harmful and costly, but unsecured loads can also be a safety issue. According to NHTSA, more than 800 people are killed each year from objects in the road. Keep Missouri safe and beautiful. Secure your load every trip.

Improve I-70 Monthly Report - May 2026

Stay in the know with the Improve I-70 Monthly Report

Want to keep up to date on the Improve I-70 Program? This monthly recap focuses on recent project news and construction updates along the Interstate 70 corridor.

May's report includes a contractor announcement for the Improve I-70: Truck Parking project, paving progress updates for various parts of the state, details about the new roundabout style interchange at U.S. Route 54 and I-70 in Kingdom City, information about the adjusted construction schedule in Kansas City during the World Cup and more.