ST. CHARLES CO., Mo. — An infant and his mother were killed in and another person was sent to the hospital after a two-vehicle crash in St. Charles County Thursday morning.
Thursday’s deadly crash is just the latest incident on a road some call the most dangerous in all of Missouri.
Anyone who's driven the area of Highway 61 where this morning's accident happened will tell you it's busy stretch of road. And cars often drive well above the speed limit.
5 On Your Side asked MoDOT how and when improvements are being made to keep people safe.
At Harry J’s in Moscow Mills, you'll find good food, cold beer, and plenty of conversation. Keya Harris says on days like Thursday, one topic comes up a lot.
“The highway, 61. About how bad it is?” said Harris.
She knows the highway all too well. She's driven it for the last nine years getting to and from work at the restaurant.
“Ten times in a week, at least.”
More than just her own safety, Harris is worried about her family.
“It's very concerning. Especially having my kids getting ready to be out on the road.”
Locals say trying to get on the highway can sometimes feel like a life or death game of chance.
Since January 2005, at least 43 people have been killed in 33 deadly crashes on Highway 61 in Lincoln and St. Charles Counties. Most of them happened in the 20-mile stretch between Troy and Wentzville.
Drivers, first responders and local officials have been calling for safety improvements along the road.
MoDOT is taking action. Changes so far include closing some crossover intersections, building new overpasses at some of the busiest intersections and installing cable guards to help prevent crossover accidents like Thursday’s. MoDOT's St. Louis district says those barriers will eventually cover the entire stretch of 61 in St. Charles County. It's possible more could be installed in the future.
MoDOT says most of the cable guard project will be done by the end of this year. Other improvements along Highway 61 will be finished next year.
Harris appreciates the new improvements. She only wishes they would've happened sooner.
“At least they're doing it now and not waiting until more happens.”
The family of one of the victims has set up a GoFundMe page in their honor. If you're interested in donating, click here.
