Ozark Run Scenic Byway to Pass Through Several Local Counties & Towns If Approved

(Belleview) A proposed 375-mile long scenic byway would go right through the heart of the Regional Radio listening area if it is given approval.

A group called “Scenic Missouri” has submitted the application for the Ozark Run Scenic Byway.

Travis Koestner with the Missouri Department of Transportation explains their role.

Koestner says this does not mean a brand new road would be constructed or any special improvements would be made to the proposed route.

Koestner says this is just another way to get more visitors to areas along the proposed route.

The mainline of the byway would start at I-270 near St. Louis and would follow Highway 21 south to Hillsboro, Desoto, Old Mines, Potosi, Caledonia, Belleview, into the Arcadia Valley, on to Lesterville, Centerville and to Ellington.

Route 106 would carry the byway to Eminence in Shannon County, then Highway 19 south to Alton, then west along U.S. Highway 160 through West Plains and then to U.S. Highway 65 north into Branson.

In addition to the mainline, the byway would include two short spur routes.

One of those is Highway 185 from Potosi to Sullivan.

The other spur would go from Alton to Thayer and then to the Arkansas state line to join that state’s scenic byway.

Koestner says MODOT will be scheduling public meetings soon to discuss the Ozark Run Scenic Byway proposal.