Missouri State Highways

Missouri’s state highway system forms a vital transportation network that complements the state’s extensive Interstate and U.S. Route corridors. Administered by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), these highways span both urban centers and rural communities, providing critical links for commuters, freight transport, and travelers exploring the Show-Me State. Missouri’s highway numbering system includes both lettered routes—unique to Missouri—and traditionally numbered state highways.

A distinctive feature of Missouri’s system is its use of lettered routes, such as Route D or Route JJ, which often serve as connectors or rural access roads. These supplement the more conventional numbered state highways, like Route 5 or Route 13, which span longer distances and serve as major north-south or east-west corridors. Numbered routes typically carry more traffic and connect with Interstates and U.S. Highways, while lettered routes may be short segments linking small towns or serving local agriculture.

Missouri’s diverse topography—from the Ozark Mountains to the Mississippi River plains—means that its state highways offer more than just transportation; they’re a gateway to scenic byways, historical towns, and outdoor recreation. Whether navigating Route 76 through Branson or traveling the rural stretches of Route 36 in the north, Missouri’s highways reflect a blend of function and heritage found only in the heart of the Midwest.