Webster County – Those interested in the Webster County Route Y Bridge Replacement Project over the Niangua River between Lake between St. Luke Road and Willow Lane in Conway are invited to a public meeting to discuss proposed improvements and project information on Tuesday, September 9, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

The come-and-go meeting will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 9, at Saint Luke’s United Methodist Church, 1164 Long Hwy Y, Conway. No formal presentation is planned. Those who attend may come anytime between 4:30 and 6 p.m. to learn about the project and ask questions.

Those unable to attend the in-person meeting can view exhibits and get project information by visiting www.modot.org/southwest. Comments on this project can be mailed in, emailed, or submitted online through the project website until Tuesday, September 23^rd.

MoDOT is committed to providing access to this event for all participants. If you need a reasonable accommodation or translation services, please contact Southwest District Communications at 417.895.7600 by September 3. For those unable to access the online meeting, contact MoDOT’s Southwest District Office, and accommodations will be made to share the information and gather feedback.

Project highlights:

• Provide an improved crossing of Route Y across the Niangua River in Webster County between St. Luke Road and Willow Lane
• The new bridge structure will:
  • Decrease frequency of roadway overtopping events
  • Improve hydraulic conveyance through the new structure
  • Decrease the buildup of debris and drift, reducing future maintenance
• The previous culvert was removed after it sustained damage from flash flood conditions that occurred in early June 2025

Traffic impacts during construction:

• Route Y CLOSED to through traffic at Webster County Route W and Route WW
• Local residents will have access to their property on either side of the closure; however will not be able to drive across the Niangua River
• Detour Routes: Webster County Route W and Route M

Construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2026.

For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest

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Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down

Where: U.S. Route 60 lane Closures between State Highway A and State Highway O in Diggins

When: Beginning Monday, July 7

What: Contractor crews to begin building new lanes and bridge work. Barrier walls will be installed on both the east and westbound Route 60 lanes as crews close the eastbound Route 60 passing lane and the westbound Route 60 driving lane as part of the U.S. Route 60 and Webster County Route A Interchange improvements project between Diggins and Fordland.

Traffic Impacts:

• U.S. Route 60 lane Closures between State Highway A and State Highway O in Diggins
  • Eastbound Route 60 passing lane Closed
  • Westbound Route 60 driving lane Closed
• U.S. Route 60 Open
• Drivers urged to find alternate routes
• No signed detours planned
• Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone
• Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closures/traffic impacts

Weather and/or construction delays could alter the work schedule.

To get project updates or sign up for project emails, visit: https://www.modot.org/projects/us-route-60-route-and-route-z-interchange-improvements-webster.

Project Summary:

• Build interchange at U.S. Route 60 and State Highway A
• Build bridge over Route 60 and BNSF Railroad
• Connect State Highway NN to new State Highway A interchange with north Outer Road
• Roundabout at new State Highway NN/State Highway A intersection south of Route 60
• Construct south Outer Road between State Highway Z in Fordland and State Highway A in Diggins along the south side of BNSF Railroad
• Remove nine railroad crossings: State Highway NN, Greenbriar Drive,  Honor Camp Lane, Tandy Road, Hummingbird Lane, Bluebird Lane, three additional private drives
• Remove nine Route 60 highway intersections/private access: A, NN, Route O (right-in, right-out only), as well as Bluebird Lane, Hummingbird Lane (south side), Honor Camp Lane (south side), Greenbriar Drive, and two private accesses.

Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction LLC, Jefferson City

The awarded construction cost is $39.8 million.

The project is scheduled for completion in December 2027.

END

For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest

Follow MoDOT’s Southwest District: Facebook | X | Instagram |YouTube

Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down

Webster County is accepting applications for a new senior citizens’ tax credit program May 1st through June 30^th.  To be eligible, taxpayers need to be at least 62 years old (prior to January 1, 2026).

The tax credit applies to residential real estate taxes on the eligible taxpayer’s primary residence.  The intent of the credit is to limit future increases in residential real estate taxes – described generally as a ‘freeze’ – to 2026 (or ‘base year’) levels.

There are some exceptions, including: a) tax levies guaranteed by the state constitution (the state blind fund; and any general obligation bonds); and b) voter-approved tax levy increases adopted after 2026 (or base year).

Applications can be submitted in-person at the County Clerk’s office (Courthouse, 101 S. Crittenden St., Rm. 12, Marshfield).  Applicants should bring: 1) driver’s license or other I.D.; 2) voter registration card or other proof of residency (such as a utility bill); and 3) their paid 2025 real estate tax receipt.

It is important to clarify that the program is not a tax exemption, but merely a ‘partial-freeze’.  Eligible taxpayers whose applications are approved will receive a ‘normal’ tax bill in 2026 that will become the basis for 2027 and future real estate taxes.  Therefore, the impact of the program will be modest in the short term, but grow in value over a period of time.  It is also important to state that the program does not apply to personal property taxes paid on vehicles, etc.

The State law authorizing the tax credit is relatively new, and many of the details are still being worked out.  It is anticipated that eligible taxpayers will need to apply each year.  Everyone’s patience as we work through this new process is appreciated.

Seniors who applied and were approved in 2025 and qualify for automatic renewal will receive a postcard before May 1 indicating whether their renewal has been approved.

2026 Application Not Yet Available

The application will be accepted at the County Clerk’s Office beginning May 1 through June 30.  For more information, feel free to contact the County Clerk’s office at 417-859-VOTE (8683).

The Bell Springs Bridge at the James River will be closed until further notice.

Official Results for the April 8, 2025, Municipal Election.

The Webster County Road & Bridge Department will be replacing tinhorns on Roanoke Lane and Elm Street beginning Monday, April 14, between 8am and 3pm.

BNSF will be having temporary road closures near rail crossings along the US Hwy 60 corridor beginning March 24 for a production track resurfacing project. The only crossing planned for in Webster County is the one on Mineral Road near Seymour.

The Webster County Courthouse will be closed Tuesday, February 18, Wednesday, February 19, and Thursday, February 20 due to inclement weather conditions.

Courts will be rescheduling in the following days. After Thursday, you may call the Circuit Clerk’s Office at 417-859-2041.