Missouri officials unveil statewide roadmap to address transportation infrastructure backlog

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has approved and released its 2026 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), outlining the agency’s transportation development vision through 2050. 

Serving as a policy-driven guide for the future of the state’s transportation system, the document serves as the latest update for MoDOT’s long-term infrastructure plan. The last version of the plan was updated in 2018. To ensure state and federal compliance and meet transportation needs, the LRTP includes several initiatives and programs slated for implementation: 

• The Show-Me Zero Strategic Highway Safety Plan to reduce highway fatalities. 
• The Safety Assessment for Every Roadway (SAFE) program to guide roadway improvements. 
• The 2024 Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) Program and Action Plan to improve system reliability and congestion management. 
• Various internal measures to promote innovation, accountability and data-driven decision-making. 

The plan notes that there is roughly $10.4 billion in unfunded high-priority needs over the next decade, with $1.3 billion needed for 2026 alone. While the agency must focus its budget on maintaining existing roads and bridges, these high-priority items will be among the first addressed when MoDOT finds available funding. 

The high-priority needs are divided across six categories: 

• Reconstructing major interstates – $400 million. 
• Economic growth and improved safety – $390 million. 
• Improving bridge conditions – $195 million. 
• Restoring maintenance and operations – $115 million. 
• Improving road conditions – $100 million. 
• Improving multimodal options – $100 million. 

MoDOT updated the LRTP alongside its State Freight and Rail Plan (SFRP). The latter analyzes the state’s freight and passenger rail systems and creates a path toward improving system infrastructure through a series of short-, mid- and long-term goals. The combination of adopting both updated plans empowers the agency to guide decision-making processes and plot a feasible course to sustain the statewide transportation system. 

The LRTP includes six short-term action that will take place over the next five years designed to achieve the agency’s goals, angled around stewardship, safety, prosperity, connectivity, reliability and innovation. These plans include: 

• Assessing future revenue scenarios to inform planning. 
• Advancing Show-Me Zero and Vulnerable Road User safety strategies. 
• Supporting freight connectivity and addressing parking needs. 
• Exploring options for a repository for local active transportation plans. 
• Establishing a shared platform for active transportation resources. 
• Researching emerging technologies pilot programs. 

Mid-term action items are projected for implementation in five to 10 years from now. Among these plans, MoDOT intends to strengthen long-term transportation funding stability through alternative funding mechanisms such as mileage-based user fees, tolling and congestion pricing. The department will also deploy advanced technologies to support safer roads, such as smart signal systems, intelligent transportation systems and data analytics. 

To stay at the forefront of innovation, MoDOT will utilize technology to enhance infrastructure, targeting broadband, intelligent transportation systems and AI solutions. The final mid-term action item will be to evaluate cost share program requirements to help communities on a tight budget get transportation infrastructure assistance. 

The plan includes three long-term action items stretching beyond the 10-year period. The first of these will be to focus on multimodal transportation by creating new multimodal connections to support the state’s rail, water and air transportation systems. The department will also prioritize further development in AI technology, strengthen transit funding and modernize statues to support evolving mobility options. 

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