A group that wants to upgrade Highway 54 between Louisiana and Mexico is discussing the project Wednesday, April 15th, in Bowling Green.

The public is invited to the Better 54 Coalition meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Bowling Green Community Center.

The group wants an upgrade of two-lane Highway 54 to what’s called a shared four-lane.

Construction would actually create three lanes along the 55-mile route. Drivers would take turns using the additional lane.

Pike County Commissioner and coalition member Curt Mitchell says a similar shared four-lane in the Ozarks has been very successful and cost a lot less than building a regular four-lane road.

The group says the unfunded project is needed because Highway 54 is a major truck route connecting Interstate 72 in Illinois to Highway 61 and Interstate 70 in Missouri.