MoDOT Seeks Public Input on Route M Pedestrian Path Project in Iron County

Iron Co., Mo. (KFMO) - The Missouri Department of Transportation is asking for public input on a proposed pedestrian shared-use path project along Route M in Ironton.

The project would include construction of a pedestrian shared-use path beginning at Shepherd Mountain Lake Road and extending approximately 900 feet along the north side of Route M, ending at the east entrance of Shepherd Mountain Lake Park. Plans also call for extending the existing Route M box culvert over Mill Dam Creek to support the new path.

MoDOT says the improvements will require the acquisition of additional right-of-way and easements. The project will also impact about 0.21 acres of Shepherd Mountain Lake Park, a publicly owned recreational area protected under Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act.

Despite the impact, park access will remain available during construction. The east entrance along Route M will temporarily close, but the west entrance will stay open. The Shepard Mountain trailhead on Shepherd Mountain Road will also remain accessible throughout the project.

If approved, the project is expected to be let in February 2027, with construction possibly beginning in spring 2027 and lasting about three months. During that time, Route M traffic will be reduced to one lane, with temporary signals guiding vehicles through the work zone.

MoDOT is accepting public comments on the project, including potential impacts to Shepherd Mountain Lake Park, through Friday, May 1, 2026. Comments can be submitted online, by phone, or by mail to the Missouri Department of Transportation.