Congressman Sam Graves recently secured an additional $4.9 million in federal funding for improvements to Highway 54 in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148), which was signed into law on Feb 3.

Last year, Graves announced the 54 shared 4-lane project had received a $24.9 million BUILD grant, bringing the total money allocated for this project to $29.8 million.

Under the BUILD grant application, the initial $24.9 million was to pay for the construction of a shared lane project between Farber and Curryville. This included a roundabout by the Sydenstricker dealership, between Vandalia and Curryville. The additional funds will pay to extend the improvements from Farber to the roundabout with Highway 19, also known as Bassinger Corner.

“A ‘shared 4-lane’ is like that one constructed on Highway 5 south of Camdenton, Mo. It provides for miles of much safer passing lanes,” Bill Allen, Pike County presiding commissioner, said. “This design was chosen based on cost and to minimize the need to acquire additional property for construction. That is of utmost importance.”

“We appreciate Congressman Graves and the work he has done to make Highway 54 safer for all residents,” Alan Winders, A Better 54 Coalition chairman and Audrain County presiding commissioner, said. “This is a safety improvement for our region and is an unfinished section of a corridor stretching between Chicago and Kansas City. It connects Interstate 70 to Highway 61 and beyond.”

With this newly allocated funding, the ‘shared 4-lane’ project can be added to the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program and begin moving through planning and design phases. Although still in the early stages, construction of this project is tentatively expected to begin during the 2030 construction season.