By Wally Kennedy

wkennedy@joplinglobe.com

MONETT, Mo. — Public comment is being accepted on a proposal to upgrade U.S. Highway 60 between Monett and Republic.

The Ozarks Transportation Organization, which manages transportation issues for the Metropolitan Planning Organization in the Springfield area, is preparing to amend its transportation plan to include a proposal to add capacity on U.S. Highway 60 between the cities.

Sara Edwards, spokeswoman for the organization, said Wednesday that the upgrade is part of the long-range improvement plan that has been adopted by the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The emergency amendment that is under consideration by the organization, she said, reflects the possibility the project could be part of the $850 billion economic-stimulus package under development in Washington.

The proposed capacity improvements involve the construction of passing lanes along the route to enhance public safety. MoDOT recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a U.S. 60 project in Monett. That work expanded the highway from two lanes to four- and five-lane sections from Missouri Highway 37 to east of Bridal Lane in Monett.

Edwards said residents may comment through Jan. 7 on the proposal to upgrade U.S. Highway 60 between Monett and Republic.

Written comments may be sent to the Ozarks Transportation Organization, 117 Park Central Square, Suite 107, Springfield, MO 65806. Comments may be e-mailed to sedwards@ozarkstransportation.org or faxed to (417) 862-6013.

Fact sheet

A fact sheet on the expansion of U.S. Highway 60 in Monett is available at www.modot.mo.gov/southwest.