Republic makes highway headway: More MM work on the way as federal government green lights more than $20 million investment

Work on the Highway MM corridor will continue as federal funding has been obtained for further phases of the construction that began in February of this year. 

Phases two and three of the project will be concerned with the widening of the road to four lanes. The phase dealing with the realignment of dangerous intersections of the roadway is already underway. 

Phase One

The first phase of the project began construction in February of 2026. The first of four, this phase was set to make a couple of intersections along MM safer to navigate following traffic fatalities in recent years. In addition to the realignment, this phase of the project was to build a bridge over the railroad crossing and add a roundabout among other improvements.

As stated in a city press release, the MM corridor has long been recognized as a critical infrastructure investment and regional priority by the Ozarks Transportation Council and the Republic City Council. Ranging about 2.5 miles, the improvements will “improve safety, reduce congestion, enhance freight mobility, and better accommodate the increasing commuter traffic generated by the region's continued growth.” 

Phase Two, Phase Three

As part of Phase Two, Route MM will be widened to four lanes between I-44 and north of James River Freeway. Phase Three will see MM widened to four lanes from James River to Haile Street. 

Phases Two and Phase Three were left unfunded until recently, as a release distributed by the Ozark Transportation Council revealed. The city had submitted a number of grant requests in hopes of receiving federal funding for the large undertaking that is expected to cost about $34.2 million. 

BUILD grants nets $23.5 million

It was without funding for some time, only recently receiving funding from a federal BUILD (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development) grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation in the amount of $23.5 million

“This grant reflects years of planning and strong partnerships,” said Republic City Administrator Colten Harris. “The Route MM widening project is a key transportation investment in supporting the continued growth of this corridor. Along with the city's new wastewater treatment facility, which is scheduled for substantial completion in October 2026, our planned one-million-gallon water tower by 2030, and MoDOT's Route MM realignment and railroad overpass project opening in 2028, these investments are creating the infrastructure necessary to accommodate future businesses, housing, and employment opportunities while ensuring Republic can continue to grow responsibly. It is a huge win not just for the community of Republic but for the southwest region of Missouri.”

State cuts funding

State funding was originally made available for the project across its four phases, but along with many other significant budget cuts at the state level, the original $10 million can no longer be expected. According to a list of budget cuts released by the state government and to Harris, $4 million of that money was recently vetoed by Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, and the remaining $6 million was restricted.

Additional money will be made available through MoDOT’s cost-share program, which partners with local government to complete roadway projects through shared investment, said the release. These dollars will help to make up the remaining $10 million required for the MM corridor project after the government grant. The city of Republic originally applied for funding for this program in 2021, but further expenses delayed its implementation. 

"MoDOT's support has been invaluable as we've navigated the realities of delivering major infrastructure projects in a post-pandemic environment," said Sara Fields, Executive Director of the Ozarks Transportation Organization. "Construction costs have increased dramatically, but MoDOT remained committed by providing both engineering expertise and financial partnership to keep this project moving forward."

With the completion of this project, the release states that it could bring in as many as 3,000 jobs to the area once the widening is complete and the adjacent communities are further developed.

“The corridor is uniquely positioned to become one of southwest Missouri's premier employment and industrial growth centers,” read the release.

One final phase of this project remains unfunded, the Route ZZ extension. It involves the construction of a new Route ZZ, extending it between U.S. Highway 60, new Route MM, and the Route ZZ (Wilson’s Creek Boulevard)/Route M (Republic Road) intersection; a new bridge over the BNSF railroad at Farm Road 103; and a possible roundabout. It is estimated to cost a further $29.7 million.