Heroes Way Highway Interchange Program
This program allows for Missouri’s interstate or state-numbered highway interchanges, bridges or segments of highway on state highway system to be designated honoring the fallen Missouri heroes who have been killed in action while performing active military duty with the Armed Forces, and who was a Missouri resident at the time he or she was killed in action. Any individual who is related by marriage, adoption, or consanguinity (a blood relative) within the second degree to the member of the United States Armed Forces who was killed in action may apply for a designation. No interchange, bridge or a segment of highway shall receive more than one designation and no more than one Heroes Way designation will be placed for a given fallen soldier. Two signs shall be erected for each interchange, bridge or highway designation. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) administers the program. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission set the fees for these designation signs. Before contacting your general assembly member or completing an application, please contact the Missouri Department of Transportation at 1-888-275-6636 and ask for the Traffic and Highway Safety Division to confirm availability of the desired section of highway or bridge location.
Legislation
The Heroes Way Designation Program passed legislation in 2009, allowing interstate interchanges to be designated for Missouri residents, who were in the armed forces and were killed in action. In 2011, the original law was expanded to include state highway interchanges. In 2015, the law was expanded a second time to include bridges and segments of highway.
The law tasks the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) with administration of the program. The law, in its entirety, may
be found at: Heroes Way Legislation.
Application Process
An applicant must complete a Heroes Way application, describing the interstate interchange or state highway interchange, bridge or segment of highway in the state highway system for which the designation is sought. Documentation regarding the service of the fallen soldier is required to ensure the request meets the requirements of the program and MoDOT has accurate information on the soldier's name and rank. Payment for the signs is also required to be submitted with the application and supporting documentation.
Payment for signs will include two signs, installation, sign posts, concrete footings and maintenance for 20 years. The standard, 6' x 3' signs will cost $2,400 (cost includes two signs). Larger, 8' x 3' signs will be available for a cost of $3,200 (cost includes two signs).
To confirm availability of the desired interchange, applicants are asked to contact MoDOT's Traffic & Highway Safety Division at (573) 526-0117. MoDOT retains records on all Heroes Way designations and will determine site availability. No interchange shall receive more than one Heroes Way designation and no more than one designation will be placed for a given fallen soldier.
*An applicant includes any individual related by marriage, adoption, or consanguinity (a blood relative) within the second degree (a grandparent, aunt, uncle, grandchild, etc.) to the member of the United States Armed Forces who was killed in action.
The application must include the name of at least one current member of the House or Senate who will sponsor the interchange designation. A legislative member must be willing to sponsor the memorial designation. Once the application is received, MoDOT will submit the Heroes Way Interchange Naming Application(s) to the Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight. The Committee will review the application(s) during the current legislative session of each year (January through May). If an application is received after session, a special meeting is requested by MoDOT. The Committee sets the date for all special meetings and once scheduled, MoDOT is notified. If not approved, 97 percent of the application fee is returned. After final approval of the application, MoDOT will corre- spond with the family members and will honor their sign location preferences within the limits of the state statute.
Any questions pertaining to the regulations of the program, location of signs, location eligibility or any other aspect of the program should be directed to MoDOT's Traffic & Highway Safety Division at (573) 526-0117.
Sign Location
Heroes Way sign designations only apply to state-maintained highway interchanges, bridges or segments of highway. Sign location and placement will be determined by MoDOT to ensure signs do not interfere with the safe operation of the highway system or conflict with other traffic control devices.
Other Important Information
Heroes Way signs will be installed and maintained for 20 years. At 19 years, the family may submit a renewal and pay a second application fee for the subsequent 20 years. If the family does not opt to renew, the designated signs will be removed at 20 years and that location will become available for another Missouri fallen soldier.
All dedication ceremonies will be organized and arranged between MoDOT's District Customer Relations staff and the family.
Click Here to learn more about the MoDOT Memorial Designations Program.