Major news for Highway 54 interchange - City of Lake Ozark

Page Brothers Presented Key To The City: On December 10th, 2024, during the City of Lake Ozark's Board of Aldermen meeting, Mayor Newberry presented keys to the city to two of Lake Ozark's most influential business leaders. Joe and Mike Page, surrounded by dozens of friends, family, and community members, received this honor in recognition of their nearly five-decade investment in Lake Ozark and their unwavering commitment to its growth and development. The Page brothers' journey began in 1976 when they founded the Leather Man on the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip. Joe, having moved to the lake immediately after graduating from Truman State University, established roots in the community, with Mike following as a permanent resident the following decade. Over the years, their entrepreneurial spirit led them to establish and acquire numerous businesses along the Strip. Today, they continue to own and operate several landmark establishments including Leatherman, Dogpatch, Dogpatch Arcade, and Summer USA, while their past ventures included popular spots like Disco Inferno, Grandma's Candy Kitchen, and Good Time Charlie's. As founding members of the Bagnell Dam Strip Association, both brothers have been instrumental in creating and supporting special events that have become staples of the community. Mike's contributions earned him the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau's Partner in Tourism Award and the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen recognition. Joe served on the Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen from 1983 to 1985, first filling a vacancy before winning re-election. He notably became both the first and last paying customer on the Community Bridge, while Mike served on its Board of Directors for several years. "Though a small gesture compared to the impact of their decades of investment and service in our community, we are gracious to present this award to the Page Brothers with all of their supporters present tonight," Mayor Newberry stated. "While we enjoy celebrating the rich history of your impact on our community, we are even more excited to see the future of our city that was made possible by your ongoing contributions and leadership." Pictured, left to right: Ward II Alderman Johnnie Franzeskos, Ward I Alderman Pat Thompson, Ward III Alderman David Ridgely, Mayor Dennis Newberry, Joe Page, Mike Page, Ward III Alderman Carol Denny, Ward I Alderman Judy Neels, and City Administrator Harrison Fry

Posted on April 15, 2021 by dan

Major news for Highway 54 interchange

A major milestone on a two-year project will occur next week. The opening of the Lake of the Ozarks new interchange will take place in time for the annual increase in traffic headed to the area.

As part of the Missouri Department of Transportation’s ongoing effort to bring improvements and increase the safety for the traveling public, contractors are scheduled to remove traffic signals at the intersection of U.S. Route 54, Business Route 54, Miller County Route W, and Osage Hills Road. The removal of those signals will coincide with the opening of the new multi-million-dollar interchange that will tie in those roads with Route 54 in a more efficient manner.

“This is a tremendous next step in the process of constructing the new interchange”, said Central Area Engineer Robert Lynch. “When the signals at the intersection are removed and the new interchange is opened, traffic will be able to flow more freely and safely through that area. We’re excited to reach this landmark moment in the project.”

Lynch advises that once the signals are removed, traffic from Route W, Osage Hills Road and Business Route 54 will no longer be able to access Route 54 at the existing signal location and will be required to use the new interchange.

The deactivation and removal of the signals is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, April 21. The removal of the signal and existing pavement will require eastbound and westbound lane closures on Route 54 through Friday, April 23. Motorists are advised to proceed through the area with caution.

Construction on the new interchange began in February of 2020. The new interchange is designed to increase traffic safety and improve traffic flow in an area where numerous traffic accidents have occurred. In addition to the new interchange, the project involves building several new connecting roads and three roundabouts in the same area.