MO.gov News Feed /news-rss MO.gov News Feed Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:42:40 +0000 en-us TRAFFIC ALERT: Hammer Rd. CLOSED at Route. 60 in Newton Co. Nov. 3-7 West of Neosho https://www.modot.org/node/79008 79008 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:50:02 +0000 TRAFFIC ALERT: Hammer Rd. CLOSED at Route. 60 in Newton Co. Nov. 3-7 West of Neosho Visitor (not verified) Tue, 10/28/2025 - 15:50 Project U.S. Route 60 Intersection Improvements in Barry and Newton Where: Hammer Road at U.S. Route 60 in Newton County west of Neosho When: 6 a.m., Monday, November 3 through 6 p.m., Friday, November 7 What: Contractor crews installing culverts as part of a project to build turn lanes at the intersection Traffic Impacts: Hammer Road CLOSED on either side of U.S. Route 60 Drivers will have access to driveways and entrances on either side of the closure but will not be able to travel through the work zone No signed detours Drivers urged to find alternate routes Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule. This work is part of a project to make improvements at six (6) intersections along U.S. Route 60 between Newton County Route Y east of Seneca and Missouri Route 97 in Barry County near the Monett Regional Airport. More information can be found by going to the project website. Project Information: Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction Co., Springfield Completion Date: December 1, 2026 Total Cost: $9.7 million      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 Districts Involved Southwest Published On Tue, 10/28/2025 - 10:48 David Mitchell Senior Communications Specialist Southwest District E-mail: SWCR@MoDOT.mo.gov Phone: (417) 895-7600 Clinton County I-35 traffic northbound lanes reopened https://www.modot.org/node/79007 79007 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:30:02 +0000 Clinton County I-35 traffic northbound lanes reopened Visitor (not verified) Tue, 10/28/2025 - 15:30 Interstate 35 from Shoal Creek to Route 116, and Route 69 in Clinton County St. Joseph, Mo. – Michels Road & Stone, contracted by the Missouri Department of Transportation, reopened the northbound lanes of Interstate 35 between Route 116 (Exit 40) at Lathrop and Shoal Creek near the intersection of U.S. Route 69 (Exit 48) near Cameron on Sunday, Oct. 26.   Crews have completed paving on the northbound lanes. Southbound traffic is restricted to the driving lane while crews stripe the passing lane and anticipate reopening it, tomorrow, Oct. 29, weather permitting. During the winter, construction on the project will pause and the north- and southbound lanes will remain open.  In 2026, the southbound lanes are scheduled to be rehabilitated. At that time, traffic will shift to two-way traffic on the northbound lanes. More details will be shared ahead of the traffic shift.  The widening and rehabilitation of U.S. Route 69 were completed in June 2025 as part of this project. All work for this project must be completed on or before September 1, 2026.  For more information on this project, please visit: https://www.modot.org/interstate-35-and-us-route-69-concrete-overlay-clinton-daviess-and-dekalb.   MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by always buckling up, keeping your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones. Know before you go and check what work zones you might encounter at traveler.modot.org.   Get project and work zone news straight to your email by signing up for eUpdates. Information is also available 24/7 by calling 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or by visiting www.modot.org/northwest.   Facebook | X | Instagram   Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down  ###  Districts Involved Northwest Published On Tue, 10/28/2025 - 10:28 Katelyn Canon Sr. Communications Specialist Northwest District Email: nwcr@modot.mo.gov Phone:  816.387.2462 Adair County Route V in Gibbs is Now Open to Traffic https://www.modot.org/node/79000 79000 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:20:02 +0000 Adair County Route V in Gibbs is Now Open to Traffic Visitor (not verified) Tue, 10/28/2025 - 15:20 HANNIBAL – Route V in Adair County is NOW OPEN between Pine Street and Olive Street in Gibbs following the completion of pavement work included in the sidewalk improvement project at this location. Stanton Contracting, LLC was awarded the contract earlier this year in the amount of $448,567. For more information on this and other projects in your area, please contact MoDOT’s Customer Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK MODOT (275-6636). Work with us in the work zone! Please remember to obey all work zone signs and personnel. With an increased number of highway work zones in Missouri, we urge all drivers to pay attention every second, especially through a work zone. Be informed of your route by checking the MoDOT Traveler Information Map before you travel. Districts Involved Northeast Published On Tue, 10/28/2025 - 10:12 Links to related information Traveler Information Map Christine Thompson Communications Specialist Northeast District Email: christine.thompson@modot.mo.gov Phone: (573) 248-2465   MoDOT to host public meeting on Forward 44: Interstate 44/U.S. Route 50 Interchange Project on Nov. 6 https://www.modot.org/node/78937 78937 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 28 Oct 2025 14:40:02 +0000 MoDOT to host public meeting on Forward 44: Interstate 44/U.S. Route 50 Interchange Project on Nov. 6 Visitor (not verified) Tue, 10/28/2025 - 14:40 Project Forward 44: U.S. 50 Interchange Improvements Project FRANKLIN COUNTY – The Missouri Department of Transportation will host an open house-style public meeting on Interstate 44/Route 50 Interchange Improvements Project from 4-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, at the Union Community Center. The center is located at 1329 Union Ave, Union, MO 63084. There will be no formal presentation. The purpose of the public meeting is to provide the public and stakeholders with the opportunity to learn more about the project to improve the I-44/U.S. 50 Interchange and U.S. 50/Route AT Intersection. This public meeting is a critical step to confirm the project goals and gather input to ensure the improvements best meet the needs of communities and roadway users on Interstate 44 and Route 50. This project aims to increase safety and reliability while improving roadway conditions. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the project, and a survey will be available to submit input on the project goals. Join us for an in-person public meeting to help guide the future of this important interchange. For those unable to attend the in-person meeting, the information shared, as well as the survey link, will be available on the project website until Friday, November 21. Access for people with disabilities is available. Those who require special services at the public meeting should notify Senior Communications Specialist Rachel V. Sudduth by Thursday, October 30, at 314-343-7731 so arrangements can be made. To learn more information about the project and sign up for project updates, visit Forward 44: U.S. 50 Interchange Improvements Project | Missouri Department of Transportation.                                                                         ###   Districts Involved St. Louis Published On Tue, 10/28/2025 - 09:32 Rachel Sudduth Senior Communications Specialist St. Louis District Email: slcommunications@modot.mo.govPhone: (314) 453-5080 MoDOT Issues Urgent Call for Safer Driving as Roadway Fatality Count Increases https://www.modot.org/node/78936 78936 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 28 Oct 2025 14:10:02 +0000 MoDOT Issues Urgent Call for Safer Driving as Roadway Fatality Count Increases Visitor (not verified) Tue, 10/28/2025 - 14:10 9th Annual Buckle Up Phone Down Day brings driver behavior into focus JEFFERSON CITY – With roadway fatalities in Missouri continuing to trend closer to surpassing last year’s count, the Missouri Department of Transportation is urging drivers to use safe driving practices heading into the holiday and winter season. The effort coincides with the state’s 9th annual Buckle Up Phone Down Day on Oct. 29, when various safety partners, schools and businesses throughout the state and nationwide encourage safe behavior behind the wheel. To date in 2025, more than 700 people have died on Missouri roadways. Of those, more than half were unbuckled. Distracted driving is also a leading cause of crashes in Missouri. In 2024, distracted driving was cited in crashes that claimed 106 lives, though that number is likely higher due to underreporting. “We’ve made great progress in reducing fatalities each of the last two years, but in the last few months that progress has slowed significantly,” said MoDOT State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Jon Nelson. “Even more concerning is the impact behind each of those numbers. The lives lost are a fraction of the lives forever changed by poor driving decisions. BUPD Day is a call for everyone to take the simple actions they can to keep our roads a safe place to drive.” Despite notable progress in recent years, Missouri’s downward trend in roadway fatalities is now at risk. In 2024, the state saw its second consecutive year of decline, with a total of 955 traffic-related deaths. However, 344 of those fatalities occurred between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31. If current patterns continue through the 2025 holiday travel season, Missouri could surpass last year’s fatality numbers, ending a hard-earned streak of progress in roadway safety. “Since launching BUPD, we’ve seen tremendous strides in the form of increased seat belt usage and a decreased percentage of unbuckled fatalities,” said Nelson. “But distracted and aggressive driving remain dire concerns. These next few months of increased holiday travel and potential winter conditions are a reminder of how crucial it is to stay alert behind the wheel.” Drivers can accept the challenge to BUPD at modot.org/bupd and spread the word on social media using the hashtags #BUPD and #BUPDDay. #### For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, sign up for e-updates.   Follow MoDOT: Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube Districts Involved Southwest Published On Tue, 10/28/2025 - 09:02 Regan Mitchell Senior Communications Specialist Southwest District Missouri Department of Transportation 3025 East Kearney, Springfield, MO 65803 Phone: (417) 895-7600 Email: swcr@modot.mo.gov website: www.modot.org/sw MoDOT Issues Urgent Call for Safer Driving as Roadway Fatality Count Increases https://www.modot.org/node/78934 78934 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:20:02 +0000 MoDOT Issues Urgent Call for Safer Driving as Roadway Fatality Count Increases Visitor (not verified) Tue, 10/28/2025 - 13:20 9th Annual Buckle Up Phone Down Day brings driver behavior into focusJEFFERSON CITY – With roadway fatalities in Missouri continuing to trend closer to surpassing last year’s count, the Missouri Department of Transportation is urging drivers to use safe driving practices heading into the holiday and winter season. The effort coincides with the state’s 9th annual Buckle Up Phone Down Day on Oct. 29, when various safety partners, schools and businesses throughout the state and nationwide encourage safe behavior behind the wheel.To date in 2025, more than 700 people have died on Missouri roadways. Of the vehicle occupants killed, more than half were unbuckled. Distracted driving is also a leading cause of crashes in Missouri. In 2024, distracted driving was cited in crashes that claimed 106 lives, though that number is likely higher due to underreporting.“We’ve made great progress in reducing fatalities each of the last two years, but in the last few months that progress has slowed significantly,” said MoDOT State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Jon Nelson. “Even more concerning is the impact behind each of those numbers. The lives lost are a fraction of the lives forever changed by poor driving decisions. BUPD Day is a call for everyone to take the simple actions they can to keep our roads a safe place to drive.”Despite notable progress in recent years, Missouri’s downward trend in roadway fatalities is now at risk. In 2024, the state saw its second consecutive year of decline, with a total of 955 traffic-related deaths. However, 344 of those fatalities occurred between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31. If current patterns continue through the 2025 holiday travel season, Missouri could surpass last year’s fatality numbers, ending a hard-earned streak of progress in roadway safety.“Since launching BUPD, we’ve seen tremendous strides in the form of increased seat belt usage and a decreased percentage of unbuckled fatalities,” said Nelson. “But distracted and aggressive driving remain dire concerns. These next few months of increased holiday travel and potential winter conditions are a reminder of how crucial it is to stay alert behind the wheel.”Drivers can accept the challenge to BUPD at modot.org/bupd and spread the word on social media using the hashtags #BUPD and #BUPDDay.For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, signup for e-updates.Follow MoDOT: Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube Districts Involved Statewide Published On Tue, 10/28/2025 - 08:13 Cole Duenckel Intermediate Communications Specialist Communications Email: cole.duenckel@modot.mo.gov Phone: 573-536-1287 Route 53 in Butler County Reduced for Pavement Repairs https://www.modot.org/node/78933 78933 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:40:02 +0000 Route 53 in Butler County Reduced for Pavement Repairs Visitor (not verified) Tue, 10/28/2025 - 12:40 SIKESTON—Route 53 in Butler County will be reduced as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.  This section of roadway is located from Route CC to Route 51 near Qulin, Missouri.  Weather permitting, work will take place Monday, Nov. 3 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.   The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.  For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.     ###  facebook.com/MoDOTSoutheast  twitter.com/MoDOTSoutheast  youtube.com/MoDOTSoutheast  Districts Involved Southeast Published On Tue, 10/28/2025 - 07:36 SE Customer Service Southeast District Email: SECRRep@modot.mo.gov Phone: (573) 472-5333 Route AB in Wright County Closed for Culvert Replacements https://www.modot.org/node/78932 78932 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:30:01 +0000 Route AB in Wright County Closed for Culvert Replacements Visitor (not verified) Tue, 10/28/2025 - 12:30 SIKESTON— Route AB in Wright County will be closed as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace the culverts at Wolf Creek Crossing.   This section of roadway is located between Dennis Road and Hunt Road.   Weather permitting, work will take place Wednesday, Nov. 12 through Friday, Dec. 12 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. This section will remain closed until work is completed.    The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.  For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.     ###    facebook.com/MoDOTSoutheast  twitter.com/MoDOTSoutheast  youtube.com/MoDOTSoutheast  Districts Involved Southeast Published On Tue, 10/28/2025 - 07:24 SE Customer Service Southeast District Email: SECRRep@modot.mo.gov Phone: (573) 472-5333 MoDOT TRAFFIC ALERT: New Weight Restriction Placed on Bates County Route TT over Bones Branch https://www.modot.org/node/78931 78931 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 28 Oct 2025 11:10:02 +0000 MoDOT TRAFFIC ALERT: New Weight Restriction Placed on Bates County Route TT over Bones Branch regan.mitchell Tue, 10/28/2025 - 11:10 West of Butler Bates County – Signs indicating a weight limit of 25 tons for single-unit vehicles were installed for a bridge on Bates County Route TT over the Bones Branch west of Butler, the Missouri Department of Transportation said. The new load posting was introduced during the department’s regular bridge inspection process, which analyzes load limitations and has been updated in accordance with Federal Highway Administration guidance. The bridge was built in 1957. The new weight limit will be in place until the bridge is replaced. At this time, no timeframe has been set for replacing the bridge. Previously, there was no posted load limit on this bridge. 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 Districts Involved Southwest Published On Tue, 10/28/2025 - 06:06 Regan Mitchell Senior Communications Specialist Southwest District Missouri Department of Transportation 3025 East Kearney, Springfield, MO 65803 Phone: (417) 895-7600 Email: swcr@modot.mo.gov website: www.modot.org/sw Entrance of Woodridge Drive to close for several days https://www.modot.org/node/78930 78930 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 28 Oct 2025 10:40:02 +0000 Entrance of Woodridge Drive to close for several days Visitor (not verified) Tue, 10/28/2025 - 10:40 No access from I-70 Drive Southeast Wednesday through Friday JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A waterline relocation will close the entrance of Woodridge Drive from I-70 Drive Southeast in Columbia for several days this week. Construction crews working with the Missouri Department of Transportation anticipate closing the entrance from 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, to Friday afternoon, Oct. 31. During the around-the-clock closure, motorists will need to use an alternate route.  All work is weather-permitting and schedules are subject to change.   MoDOT asks all motorists to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones.    This work is part of the first project in MoDOT’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program, Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City, which will add a third lane of travel in each direction to the 20-mile stretch of I-70 between Columbia) and Kingdom City. This $405 million fixed-cost contract includes new pavement on all three lanes of I-70 and will also make interchange improvements to the I-70 interchanges at U.S. Route 63 and U.S. Route 54.   Missouri’s FY2024 budget, approved through the state legislative process and governor provides, $2.8 billion in General Revenue to build a third lane of I-70 across the state. The program will plan, design, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and add a third lane in each direction on nearly 200 miles of I-70, from Blue Springs to Wentzville. For more information on the Improve I-70 Program and to sign up for program e-mails, visit http://www.modot.org/improvei70.  For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, signup for e-updates.  ### Districts Involved Central Published On Tue, 10/28/2025 - 05:36 Links to related information Project Webpage AJ Shurr Senior Communications Specialist Central District Email: cdcr@modot.mo.govPhone: (573) 522-5178 Missouri receives FEMA Show Me Hope Crisis Counseling grant to help natural disaster survivors https://dmh.mo.gov/node/49946 49946 at https://dmh.mo.gov Tue, 28 Oct 2025 10:02:28 +0000 Missouri receives FEMA Show Me Hope Crisis Counseling grant to help natural disaster survivors Emily Loesch Tue, 10/28/2025 - 10:02 Read more about Missouri receives FEMA Show Me Hope Crisis Counseling grant to help natural disaster survivors Lambda to establish AI factory facility in Kansas City https://ded.mo.gov/press-room/lambda-establish-ai-factory-facility-kansas-city 5551 at https://ded.mo.gov Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:39:15 +0000 Lambda to establish AI factory facility in Kansas City Chase Lindley Tue, 10/28/2025 - 09:39 October 28, 2025 Kansas City Lambda, the Superintelligence Cloud, announced today it is planning to transform an unoccupied 2009-built facility in Kansas City, Missouri, into a state-of-the-art AI Factory.“Missouri is proud to welcome Lambda as they create new, high-quality jobs and strengthen our state’s technology and innovation ecosystem,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “Their decision to grow here demonstrates the confidence that leading companies have in our people, our infrastructure, and our pro-business environment. It’s been said that AI is the space race of our time, and we must win. Data centers are the future and critical to our continued ability to drive technological innovation, strengthen our economy, and safeguard our national security interests. Partnerships like this ensure Missouri remains at the forefront of America’s winning strategy.”This Kansas City deployment is part of Lambda's mission to build the infrastructure backbone for the Superintelligence era. Under the agreement, Lambda is planning to develop and operate the facility as the sole tenant. The site is expected to launch in early 2026 with 24MW of capacity, and the potential to scale up to more than 100MW in the future. When the facility launches in early 2026, it will initially feature more than 10,000 NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra GPUs - a footprint expected to double over time. The supercomputer is dedicated to a single Lambda customer for large-scale AI training and inference under a multi-year agreement.“Our Kansas City development perfectly embodies Lambda’s strategy: a prime location for our customers, an accelerated deployment timeline, and an unwavering commitment to on-time delivery,” said Ken Patchett, VP of Datacenter Infrastructure at Lambda. “We believe this success stems from completely rethinking how AI factories should be built and operated.”The initial phase of the project is expected to include upwards of half a billion dollars and several employees and contracted staff working on-site, maintaining the extensive equipment and machinery. Future phases at the site are still being evaluated and discussed with local partners.“Lambda’s investment in the Kansas City area emphasizes our state’s growing strength in technology and innovation,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “DED is proud to support future-focused projects like this that enhance our workforce, drive sustainable growth across the region, and create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.”For this expansion, Lambda will benefit from the Data Center Sales Tax Exemption Program.What others are saying“Today in Kansas City, we are building the infrastructure to capitalize on AI’s boom,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas. “An investment of this scale in the Northland highlights our city’s strength in technology, innovation, and job creation, and brings an empty asset back to life through creative reuse.”“This investment from Lambda showcases the Kansas City region’s ability to creatively reimagine assets and attract transformative investment,” said Tim Cowden, President and CEO, Kansas City Area Development Council. “Data centers are critical to powering the innovation economy, and Kansas City wields the strength of infrastructure, reliable power and a deep IT talent pool that continues to draw leading technology companies to the region.”“Choosing Kansas City, Missouri, for a next-generation AI data center sends a clear message: Missouri is the tech leader in the center of the country,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “We applaud Lambda for building an AI factory in the heart of the U.S. This is a generational investment that will expand opportunity for Missourians and accelerate the digital economy.”About LambdaLambda, The Superintelligence Cloud, builds gigawatt-scale AI factories for training and inference. From prototyping to serving billions of users in production, we build the underlying infrastructure that powers AI. Lambda was founded in 2012 by published AI engineers.Lambda’s mission is to make compute as ubiquitous as electricity and give everyone in America the power of superintelligence. One person, One GPU.To learn more about Lambda, visit lambda.ai.About the Missouri Department of Economic DevelopmentThe Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website. Trails Advisory Board meeting set for Nov. 1 https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/trails-advisory-board-meeting-set-nov-1 293116 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 27 Oct 2025 10:45:13 +0000 Trails Advisory Board meeting set for Nov. 1 Karen Kremer Mon, 10/27/2025 - 10:45 Release Date Monday, October 27, 2025 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, OCT 27, 2025 – Missouri State Parks will hold its biannual Missouri Trails Advisory Board Meeting at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at Jefferson Landing State Historic Site, 100 Jefferson St., Jefferson City.The agenda includes a discussion of the FY 2026 Recreational Trails Program Open Project Selection Process and the FY 2026 RTP Grant Application.The Missouri Trails Advisory Board consists of members appointed by the Missouri State Parks division director. Board members are appointed based upon experience with trail use and trail construction, community involvement, trail user group participation, ability to represent other trail users, ability to devote adequate time to the duties, ADA knowledge and experience.For more information concerning the meeting or the Trails Advisory Board, please call 573-522-8773. For more information on Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites, visit the web at mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State Parks P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov Fourteen state parks temporarily closed for managed deer hunts https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/fourteen-state-parks-temporarily-closed-managed-deer-hunts 293111 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 27 Oct 2025 10:33:14 +0000 Fourteen state parks temporarily closed for managed deer hunts Karen Kremer Mon, 10/27/2025 - 10:33 Release Date Monday, October 27, 2025 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, OCT. 27, 2025 – Fourteen state parks will be temporarily closed to the public for managed deer hunts to safely and effectively manage the parks’ deer population. The hunts are a coordinated effort between the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks and the Missouri Department of Conservation.The following state parks will be closed on these dates:Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, 800 Guy Park Drive in Wildwood – Nov. 7-9.Bennett Spring State Park, 26250 Highway 64A in Lebanon – Nov. 7-9.Crowder State Park, 76 NW Highway 128 in Trenton – Nov. 7-9.Cuivre River State Park, 678 State Route 147 in Troy – Nov. 1-5.Ha Ha Tonka State Park, 1491 State Road D in Camdenton – Nov. 7-9.Harry S Truman State Park, 28761 State Park Road West in Warsaw – Dec. 1-4.Long Branch State Park, 28615 Visitor Center Road in Macon – Nov. 8-11.Mark Twain State Park, 37352 Shrine Road in Florida – Nov. 8-9 and Dec. 6-7.Montauk State Park, 345 County Road 6670 in Salem – Dec. 2-4.Robertsville State Park, 902 State Park Drive in Robertsville – Nov. 8-9.Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, 5901 South Highway 163 in Columbia – Nov. 3-4.St. Francois State Park, 8920 U.S. Highway 67 North in Bonne Terre – Dec. 5-8.St. Joe State Park, 2800 Pimville Road in Park Hills – Nov. 15-16.Watkins Mill State Park, 26600 Park Road North in Lawson – Nov. 1-2.Guests are encouraged to not visit the parks on those days, as they will be turned away for their safety.Missouri state parks are usually wildlife refuges where hunting is not permitted. However, when an overpopulation of deer develops, the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Conservation hold special managed hunts to prevent harm to the ecosystem. This year, studies at the parks determined the deer population showed an overcrowded number of deer per acre. The managed hunt will help other wildlife and the ecosystem by reducing the number of deer in the area.The Missouri Department of Conservation has already selected hunters for these hunts.Before heading to a Missouri state park or historic site, guests should check the Park and Site Status Map at modnr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=0cc1b6513d6e407694aede7b7bdbde93 for any closures that may impact their visit.For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov Building Our American Communities Grant Funds Available http://agriculture.mo.gov/news/newsitem/uuid/b1603e5d-50a5-4c73-bbed-9783029e3a75 http://agriculture.mo.gov/news/newsitem/uuid/b1603e5d-50a5-4c73-bbed-9783029e3a75 Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Applications must be received by Dec. 1, 2025.