Veterans Memorial Parkway, Heartland Drive, Archer Road Roadway Improvements

The development of a new 165-acre industrial site in Warren County, anchored by a new state-of-the-art beef processing facility, created the need for expanded transportation infrastructure and improved site access. As a significant economic investment in the community, the project required upgrades addressing roadway capacity, intersection operations, drainage, utilities, and railroad crossing safety along Veterans Memorial Parkway, Heartland Drive, and Archer Road. Cochran supported the project with comprehensive engineering, surveying, and construction services.

The Veterans Memorial Parkway at Archer Road project included approximately 2,585 linear feet of roadway improvements, including lane widening, new turn lanes, raised islands, intersection improvements, concrete and asphalt pavement, approaches, shoulders, and driveways. Cochran also designed storm sewer improvements and a box culvert extension, pavement markings and striping, roadway signage, and utility relocations. The project was designed and constructed in accordance with MoDOT Local Public Agency requirements and was completed in 2026.

The Heartland Drive and Archer Road improvements included approximately 3,677 linear feet of roadway improvements and construction of a new two-lane Heartland Drive connection with turn lanes into and out of the industrial campus. Archer Road was realigned to improve sight distance and connect to the new Heartland Drive railroad crossing. The existing Archer Road railroad crossing was subsequently closed and permanently removed, with the new crossing incorporating stop arms and warning lights to improve crossing safety.

Cochran’s additional services included preparation of the CDBG application and Preliminary Engineering Report, land surveying, geotechnical investigation, materials testing, right-of-way and easement preparation and acquisition support, utility coordination and relocation, traffic signal coordination, and MoDOT bid letting support. Cochran also provided construction administration and inspection throughout the projects.

The coordinated improvements provide improved access to the industrial development while addressing roadway geometry, traffic operations, drainage, utilities, and railroad crossing safety. The Heartland Drive and Archer Road project was completed in 2024, followed by completion of the Veterans Memorial Parkway improvements in 2026.