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New Halls Ferry Road Safety Overhaul Begins in St. Louis County

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. d-safety-overhaul-begins-in-st-louis-county.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 22:02 GMT by firstalert4.com
      Locales: Missouri, UNITED STATES

WOODSON TERRACE, MO - February 16, 2026 - The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is embarking on a significant project to overhaul safety features along New Halls Ferry Road in St. Louis County, aiming to address long-standing concerns regarding pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, and overall road conditions. The project, formally announced late last year, is now entering a crucial public input phase, with MoDOT actively soliciting feedback from residents and commuters.

New Halls Ferry Road is a vital artery connecting several municipalities within the county, serving as a major thoroughfare for both local traffic and commuters traveling to and from St. Louis City. However, its increasing traffic volume - fueled by ongoing regional growth and development - has brought with it a rise in safety concerns, particularly for pedestrians. Recent data indicates a concerning uptick in near-miss incidents involving pedestrians attempting to cross the busy road, prompting the need for proactive intervention.

The planned improvements are multi-faceted, moving beyond simple patching and maintenance to encompass a comprehensive redesign of key sections of the roadway. While the exact details are still being refined based on public input, initial proposals include the installation of more visible and technologically advanced signage. This includes dynamic speed feedback signs that adjust to prevailing traffic conditions and enhanced pedestrian crossing signals with extended crossing times, catering to elderly residents and those with mobility challenges.

Pavement markings are also set for a major upgrade. MoDOT plans to implement high-visibility, reflective lane markings and crosswalks, utilizing materials designed to remain effective even in adverse weather conditions. Crucially, the project includes a detailed study of potential locations for new, dedicated pedestrian crossings, potentially incorporating raised medians or pedestrian refuge islands to provide safer crossing points. These refuge islands allow pedestrians to cross the road in stages, significantly reducing the risk of being struck by oncoming traffic.

The online project page ([ https://transportation.mo.gov/projects/new-halls-ferry-road-safety-improvements ]) details preliminary assessments of traffic patterns and pedestrian usage, showcasing areas identified as particularly vulnerable. The data highlights a consistent need for improved visibility and reduced vehicle speeds, particularly near schools, parks, and commercial districts along the corridor.

MoDOT held an initial public meeting on December 5th, 2025, at Woodson Terrace City Hall, attracting a strong turnout of concerned citizens. The session provided residents with a first look at the proposed plans and an opportunity to voice their immediate concerns and suggestions. Early feedback centered on requests for increased lighting along certain stretches of the road, as well as the implementation of traffic calming measures, such as speed humps or roundabouts, in residential areas.

However, MoDOT recognizes that the December meeting was just the first step in a longer process. The department is now actively encouraging ongoing community engagement, providing multiple avenues for residents to submit comments and suggestions. In addition to the online feedback form available on the project website, individuals can also submit written comments via mail. MoDOT project managers are committed to reviewing all input and incorporating viable suggestions into the final design.

"The safety of our residents is our top priority," stated Maria Rodriguez, MoDOT District Engineer. "New Halls Ferry Road is a vital corridor, and we want to ensure it's safe for everyone, whether they're driving, walking, or biking. Public input is invaluable to this process, and we encourage everyone to share their thoughts and concerns."

The anticipated timeline for the project's completion is late 2027, contingent upon funding availability and weather conditions. MoDOT is currently seeking bids from qualified contractors to perform the necessary construction work. Residents can expect temporary lane closures and traffic disruptions during the construction phase, but MoDOT assures that every effort will be made to minimize inconvenience and maintain traffic flow.

Beyond the immediate safety benefits, the project is also expected to improve the overall quality of life for residents living along New Halls Ferry Road. By creating a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment, the improvements could encourage more people to walk and bike, promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing traffic congestion. The project signals MoDOT's commitment to building a more sustainable and accessible transportation network for the St. Louis region.