FAQ
- Proposition 61 asks voters in Marion and Ralls Counties to create a Transportation Development District (TDD) to fund improvements along the U.S. Highway 61 corridor.
- The proposal includes construction of a new expressway west of Hannibal to redirect through-traffic and heavy trucks away from populated areas.
- The project is focused on improving safety along a corridor where crash rates exceed statewide averages.
- Funding would come from a ½-cent sales tax within the district for up to 25 years or until project costs are paid, whichever comes first.
- A ½-cent sales tax equals 50 cents on a $100 purchase.
- Both residents and visitors making purchases within the district would contribute.
- The election for Proposition 61 will take place on April 7.
Overview of the Proposal
Proposition 61 asks voters in Marion and Ralls Counties to create the Hannibal Expressway Transportation Development District (TDD). If approved, the district would fund improvements to the U.S. Highway 61 corridor, including construction of a new expressway west of Hannibal, through a ½-cent sales tax for up to 25 years.
Plans to improve the Highway 61 corridor around Hannibal are not new. The concept of a western expressway was first proposed in 1996 as a long-term solution to growing traffic and safety concerns along the corridor.
Since then, traffic volumes have continued to increase, and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) conducted a comprehensive Environmental Impact Study to evaluate potential solutions. The study confirmed that crash rates along this section of Highway 61 exceed statewide averages, and that approximately 23% of the traffic is heavy truck traffic.
MoDOT has a full overview of the Environmental Impact Study on their website: modot.org.
Proposition 61 represents an opportunity for the community to move forward with a long-discussed solution that improves safety and prepares the corridor for the future.
Since then, traffic volumes have continued to increase, and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) conducted a comprehensive Environmental Impact Study to evaluate potential solutions. The study confirmed that crash rates along this section of Highway 61 exceed statewide averages, and that approximately 23% of the traffic is heavy truck traffic.
MoDOT has a full overview of the Environmental Impact Study on their website: modot.org.
Proposition 61 represents an opportunity for the community to move forward with a long-discussed solution that improves safety and prepares the corridor for the future.
- Upgrades and safety improvements along the existing Highway 61 corridor
- Construction of a new expressway west of Hannibal
- Improved traffic flow and reduced conflict points
- Safer access for emergency responders
The project will be managed by a local Transportation Development District (TDD) governed by a nine-member board of leaders from the counties and cities in the district. These are people who live and work here, making decisions locally and being accountable to the communities they represent.
Proposition 61 uses the same funding approach that was successfully used to help complete the four-lane expansion of Highway 36 across northern Missouri in the early 2000s.
At that time, communities along the Highway 36 corridor created a Transportation Development District (TDD) and approved a local sales tax to help provide a local funding match for the project. That local investment allowed the region to partner with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and move the project forward years sooner than it otherwise might have been completed.
Proposition 61 would use the same concept. If approved by voters, it would create a Transportation Development District for the Highway 61 corridor, allowing the region to provide a local funding match that can be combined with state and potentially federal transportation funding.
Using this type of local funding partnership has helped communities across Missouri complete important transportation projects that improve safety and mobility.
At that time, communities along the Highway 36 corridor created a Transportation Development District (TDD) and approved a local sales tax to help provide a local funding match for the project. That local investment allowed the region to partner with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and move the project forward years sooner than it otherwise might have been completed.
Proposition 61 would use the same concept. If approved by voters, it would create a Transportation Development District for the Highway 61 corridor, allowing the region to provide a local funding match that can be combined with state and potentially federal transportation funding.
Using this type of local funding partnership has helped communities across Missouri complete important transportation projects that improve safety and mobility.
Safety & Traffic
Crash rates on this section of Highway 61 exceed statewide averages. Over a five-year period, the corridor experienced at least 6 fatalities and 38 serious injuries. Approximately 23% of traffic on the corridor is heavy truck traffic.
The new expressway would redirect much of the high-speed and heavy truck traffic away from local streets and school areas, reducing conflict points and improving overall traffic safety.
School facilities exist on both sides of the existing corridor, meaning students often cross or travel near heavy traffic. Reducing through-traffic in these areas would improve safety for students.
Location & Route
The proposed expressway would be constructed west of the City of Hannibal, creating a bypass that allows through-traffic — especially heavy truck traffic — to travel around the city rather than through it. The new route would:
- Branch off from U.S. Highway 61 near Route M south of Hannibal
- Travel west of the city as a new expressway corridor
- Connect to the Highway 24 / Highway 36 interchange west of Hannibal
The route was identified through a multi-year Environmental Impact Study (EIS) conducted by MoDOT. The study evaluated multiple potential routes and analyzed safety, cost, environmental impact, and long-term traffic needs. The western route was selected because it was the most practical and feasible solution:
- Cost: Estimated at approximately $135 million — other routes were projected to cost at least twice as much.
- Environmental Impact: This route resulted in the fewest environmental impacts and right-of-way acquisitions.
- Safety: The route effectively redirects through-traffic and heavy trucks away from populated areas.
During the multi-year Environmental Impact Study conducted by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), several potential routes for the Highway 61 expressway were evaluated, including options closer to the city.
After studying multiple alternatives, the route west of Hannibal was identified as the most feasible option based on several key factors.
First, the west bypass route is estimated to cost approximately $135 million, while routes closer to Hannibal were estimated to cost more than twice that amount. Selecting the lower-cost route makes the project significantly more achievable.
Second, the west route would have fewer environmental and property impacts, meaning fewer homes, buildings, and properties would need to be acquired or removed.
The selected route also allows through-traffic and heavy freight traffic to bypass the city rather than traveling through it, which helps improve traffic flow and safety for local drivers.
After studying multiple alternatives, the route west of Hannibal was identified as the most feasible option based on several key factors.
First, the west bypass route is estimated to cost approximately $135 million, while routes closer to Hannibal were estimated to cost more than twice that amount. Selecting the lower-cost route makes the project significantly more achievable.
Second, the west route would have fewer environmental and property impacts, meaning fewer homes, buildings, and properties would need to be acquired or removed.
The selected route also allows through-traffic and heavy freight traffic to bypass the city rather than traveling through it, which helps improve traffic flow and safety for local drivers.
Property owners are contacted directly and treated fairly throughout the process. An independent appraisal determines fair market value, owners can negotiate or make counteroffers, and relocation assistance is available if needed.
Learn more about the process from MoDOT.
Learn more about the process from MoDOT.
Some people have asked whether existing roads such as Paris Gravel Road or Veterans Road could be used for the expressway. However, those roads were not identified as viable options during the Environmental Impact Study.
Using those roads would still route heavy truck traffic through developed areas of the community, including directly past Veterans Elementary School.
One of the primary goals of the expressway project is to separate local traffic from through-traffic and freight traffic. The bypass route west of Hannibal allows regional and long-distance traffic to travel around the city instead of shifting that traffic to other local roads.
In addition, upgrading existing roads to expressway standards would still require significant reconstruction, property acquisition, and intersection changes, making them less feasible compared to the selected route.
Using those roads would still route heavy truck traffic through developed areas of the community, including directly past Veterans Elementary School.
One of the primary goals of the expressway project is to separate local traffic from through-traffic and freight traffic. The bypass route west of Hannibal allows regional and long-distance traffic to travel around the city instead of shifting that traffic to other local roads.
In addition, upgrading existing roads to expressway standards would still require significant reconstruction, property acquisition, and intersection changes, making them less feasible compared to the selected route.
Cost & Funding
Proposition 61 would authorize a ½-cent sales tax within the Transportation Development District in Marion and Ralls Counties for up to 25 years. Revenue from this local tax would fund improvements along the U.S. Highway 61 corridor, including the new expressway.
Importantly, local funding would be matched by MoDOT — for every dollar raised locally, MoDOT has committed to provide a dollar in matching funding, effectively doubling the impact of local investment.
The ½-cent sales tax would apply to purchases made within the district, meaning both residents and visitors contribute. The tax automatically expires after 25 years. If the project is paid for early, the remaining years could be used to make additional safety improvements along Highway 61.
Importantly, local funding would be matched by MoDOT — for every dollar raised locally, MoDOT has committed to provide a dollar in matching funding, effectively doubling the impact of local investment.
The ½-cent sales tax would apply to purchases made within the district, meaning both residents and visitors contribute. The tax automatically expires after 25 years. If the project is paid for early, the remaining years could be used to make additional safety improvements along Highway 61.
Major transportation projects compete for limited statewide funding. Local funding helps demonstrate regional commitment and allows projects to move forward sooner. Without this tax, the project would not happen with state funds alone.
Missouri law does not allow the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to operate toll roads. The only toll roads that have existed in the state were privately funded and maintained projects.
Because of this, transportation improvements in Missouri are typically funded through partnerships between the state and local communities. Proposition 61 proposes creating a Transportation Development District (TDD) that would provide a local funding match for the project.
Providing a local match helps the region partner with MoDOT and pursue additional state and federal transportation funding, allowing the project to move forward sooner.
Because of this, transportation improvements in Missouri are typically funded through partnerships between the state and local communities. Proposition 61 proposes creating a Transportation Development District (TDD) that would provide a local funding match for the project.
Providing a local match helps the region partner with MoDOT and pursue additional state and federal transportation funding, allowing the project to move forward sooner.
If approved, Proposition 61 would add a ½-cent temporary sales tax.
That means:
Importantly, this approach allows both residents and visitors traveling through Hannibal to contribute, helping reduce the burden on local taxpayers while unlocking additional state and federal funding. The tax also includes a sunset provision, meaning it will expire once the project is complete.
That means:
- About 50 cents on a $100 purchase
- Approximately $60 per year for someone spending $12,000 annually on taxable goods
Importantly, this approach allows both residents and visitors traveling through Hannibal to contribute, helping reduce the burden on local taxpayers while unlocking additional state and federal funding. The tax also includes a sunset provision, meaning it will expire once the project is complete.
How the Tax Works
A ½-cent sales tax equals 50 cents on every $100 purchase. Here are some examples:
| Purchase Amount | Tax Cost |
|---|---|
| $10 | $0.05 |
| $25 | $0.13 |
| $50 | $0.25 |
| $100 | $0.50 |
Common Questions & Misconceptions
No. This is a local Transportation Development District created specifically for Marion and Ralls Counties.
No. The existing highway will remain and continue serving local traffic.
Local delivery trucks will still use city streets, but the expressway would allow long-distance trucks to bypass the city.
About the Campaign
Citizens for a Safer Hannibal Region is a local citizen-led campaign committee formed to provide information to voters about Proposition 61 before the April 7 election.