Difference between revisions of "missouri-toll-roads-bridges"

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Missouri toll roads and bridges}}
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{{DISPLAYTITLE: Missouri Toll Roads Guide: Completely Toll-Free Since April 2024}}
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{{#seo:|title=Missouri toll roads and bridges}}
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{{#seo:|title=Missouri Toll Roads Guide: Completely Toll-Free Since April 2024}}
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{{#seo:|keywords=Missouri tolls, Missouri toll free, Lake of Ozarks bridge toll free, Missouri highways toll, Missouri toll calculator}}
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{{#seo:|description=Missouri is completely toll-free as of April 30, 2024. The Lake of Ozarks Community Bridge, the state's only toll facility, paid off its debt and became free. No toll roads, no toll tags needed.}}
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{{#canonics: https://tollguru.com/missouri-toll-roads-bridges}}
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__TOC__
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<h1 style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 10px 0; border-bottom: 3px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 0">Missouri Toll Roads Guide — Completely Toll-Free State</h1>
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<div style="color: #202122; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6;">
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Toll Status:</strong> Completely toll-free — no toll roads, bridges, or tunnels anywhere in Missouri<br>
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Last Toll Facility:</strong> Lake of Ozarks Community Bridge — became toll-free April 30, 2024<br>
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Currency:</strong> US Dollar (USD) — no tolls to pay<br>
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Technology:</strong> No electronic toll collection systems in Missouri<br>
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Legal Status:</strong> Missouri state law prohibits future toll roads after voters rejected tolling in 1970 and 1992
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Are There Any Tolls in Missouri? 2026 Update</h2>
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">No.</strong> Missouri is completely toll-free. As of April 30, 2024, there are no toll roads, toll bridges, or toll tunnels anywhere in the state. You do not need E-ZPass, any toll tag, or any special payment method to travel on Missouri roads and bridges.</p>
  
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">2026 Update:</strong> The Lake of Ozarks Community Bridge — previously Missouri's only toll facility — paid off its $43 million construction debt two years ahead of schedule and became permanently toll-free on April 30, 2024. The bridge was immediately transferred to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Per the Missouri constitution, MoDOT cannot charge a toll on the bridge, meaning it will remain free indefinitely. Missouri voters have rejected toll roads in statewide referenda twice (1970 and 1992), and state law reflects that history by prohibiting toll road construction.</p>
  
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{{#seo:|keywords=us toll, missouri bridges, Lake of Ozarks Community Bridge, Lake of Ozarks Community Bridge toll}}
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Lake of Ozarks Community Bridge — Now Toll-Free</h2>
  
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">The Lake of Ozarks Community Bridge was built in 1998 using a $43 million Transportation Development District (TDD) bond to span the main channel of the Lake of the Ozarks, connecting the east side of Missouri (toward St. Louis) to the west side (toward Kansas City). The bridge was a landmark example of private-public infrastructure financing in Missouri.</p>
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">When operating as a toll bridge, passenger vehicles paid $3.00 in-season (May–September) and $2.00 out-of-season. Five-axle trucks paid $8.00 in-season and $5.50 out-of-season. After more than 1 million vehicles per year used the bridge — more than doubling original projections — the TDD paid off its bonds two years ahead of the projected 2026 payoff date. The toll collection equipment was shut down on April 30, 2024, the bridge gates were opened, and the crossing has been free ever since.</p>
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Location:</strong> The bridge spans the main channel of Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri, connecting Sunrise Beach on the east side to Lake Ozark/Osage Beach on the west side. It serves as a vital link for Lake area residents, businesses, and the significant summer tourism industry.</p>
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Traveling Through Missouri — What You Need to Know</h2>
  
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">All Missouri roads, highways, bridges, and interstates are completely free. No toll tags or electronic payment systems are required anywhere in the state. Key toll-free routes for travelers:</p>
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== Missouri toll bridges ==
 
  
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The Lake of Ozarks Community Bridge<ref>[http://lakeoftheozarkscommunitybridge.com/map.htm Lake of Ozarks Community Bridge]</ref> is the only toll bridge in Missouri. The bridge is build across the Lake of the Ozarks and links the East Side (St. Louis Side) to the West Side (Kansas City Side).
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<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
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<li><strong style="font-weight: bold;">I-70:</strong> East-West corridor from Kansas City through Columbia to St. Louis — entirely toll-free</li>
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<li><strong style="font-weight: bold;">I-44:</strong> Southwest corridor from St. Louis toward Joplin and the Oklahoma border — entirely toll-free</li>
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<li><strong style="font-weight: bold;">I-55 / I-64 / I-270:</strong> St. Louis metro area interstates — all toll-free</li>
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<li><strong style="font-weight: bold;">I-35 / I-29:</strong> Kansas City metro and north-south corridors — all toll-free</li>
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<li><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Missouri River crossings:</strong> All bridges across the Missouri River, including those on I-70, I-435, and other routes, are toll-free</li>
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<li><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Mississippi River crossings:</strong> All bridges from Missouri into Illinois and other states are toll-free on the Missouri side (note: some Illinois toll facilities may apply on the other side of the river)</li>
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<li><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Lake of Ozarks Community Bridge:</strong> Free since April 30, 2024, under MoDOT maintenance</li>
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=== Toll Rates for Lake of Ozarks Bridge ===
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Planning a Road Trip Through Missouri</h2>
  
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Following are the In-season and Out-of-season toll rates for Lake of the Ozarks Bridge for different vehicle types. 
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">Missouri sits at the geographic center of the continental United States and serves as a major transit corridor for cross-country travel. Drivers passing through on I-70 (the primary east-west US toll-free corridor), I-44, or I-55 will pay zero tolls while in Missouri. However, neighboring states may have toll facilities:</p>
  
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<html><figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table><thead><tr><th>Vehicle type</th><th>(In Season May 1 to Sept. 30)</th><th>Out of Season Oct. 1-April 30</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2-axles</td><td>$3.00</td><td>$2.00</td></tr><tr><td>3-axle passenger vehicle</td><td>$4.25</td><td>$2.75</td></tr><tr><td>2-axle or 3-axle truck or bus</td><td>$5.00</td><td>$3.50</td></tr><tr><td>4-axle truck</td><td>$6.50</td><td>$4.50</td></tr><tr><td>5-axle truck</td><td>$8.00</td><td>$5.50</td></tr><tr><td>Truck with 6 or more axles</td><td>$9.50</td><td>$6.50</td></tr></tbody></table></figure></html>
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<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
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<li><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Illinois (east):</strong> [https://tollguru.com/illinois-tollway-bridges-toll-roads Illinois Tollway] operates an all-electronic toll system in the Chicago metro area and on I-88/I-290; I-PASS or E-ZPass required for best rates</li>
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<li><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Kansas (west):</strong> [https://tollguru.com/kansas-turnpike-toll-roads-bridges-k-tag Kansas Turnpike] operates 236 miles of tolled highway including the I-335/I-70 corridor; K-TAG or pay-by-plate</li>
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<li><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Oklahoma (south):</strong> Oklahoma Turnpike Authority operates extensive tolled routes; PikePass or E-ZPass compatible</li>
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<li><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Tennessee, Kentucky, Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas:</strong> All toll-free; no tolls on routes from Missouri into these states</li>
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</ul>
  
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'''Missouri toll calculator''' can also help you calculate tolls and gas expenses for cars, trucks, trailers, buses, RVs, and motorcycles for the Lake of Ozarks Bridge and toll roads and bridges in nearby Illinois, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas.
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">If you are traveling from Missouri into Illinois — for example, crossing the Mississippi River from St. Louis into the East St. Louis area — note that the Illinois Tollway begins further east. The immediate Mississippi River crossings (Martin Luther King, Stan Musial Veterans Memorial, Jefferson Barracks bridges) are toll-free on both sides. The Illinois Tollway system is primarily in the Chicago metro region.</p>
  
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<a href="https://tollguru.com/missouri-toll-calculator"><button class="custom-button button-orange" type="button">Missouri Trip Cost Calculator</button></a>
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<a href="https://tollguru.com/missouri-toll-calculator"><button class="custom-button button-orange" type="button">Missouri Toll Calculator</button></a>
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Toll rates on this page might not be updated recently. Please refer to our toll &amp; trip calculators and the Toll API for the latest toll rates. Please send us feedback if toll rates are not accurate. We will update the information immediately.
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Is Missouri Likely to Get Toll Roads in the Future?</h2>
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== How to pay toll in Missouri ==
 
  
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At Lake of Ozarks Bridge, you can pay toll using cash only. Credit or debit cards are not accepted at the booth or over the phone for toll payments. The bridge does not have tag transponder toll payment option either. However in nearby Illinois, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas you will need a tag to pay toll.
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">Very unlikely. Missouri voters rejected toll road proposals in 1970 and 1992, and state law reflects those decisions by prohibiting the construction of toll roads. The Missouri constitution also prevents MoDOT from charging tolls on roads it takes over from Transportation Development Districts, as demonstrated by the Lake of Ozarks bridge transfer.</p>
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== How to pay missed toll in Missouri ==
 
  
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There is only one toll bridge in Missouri, the Lake of Ozarks bridge which has a gated toll booth that only accepts cash; no credit card or tag transponder is accepted. So you must pay toll on the spot to access the bridge and therefore no toll violation or missed toll issue arises in Missouri.<br><br/>For further information, you may contact the customer care service of Lake of the Ozarks at 573-374-9341. <br/><br/>Please check out [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki  TollGuru state webpages] to learn about toll payment methods. As you cannot pay tolls by cash or coins on all toll roads in the USA, it is recommended to buy a relevant Tag. Browse the list of [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki statewise toll tags for each state].
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">Missouri funds its road network through state fuel taxes, federal highway funds, and vehicle registration fees rather than tolls. No credible legislative proposal to introduce toll roads was pending as of early 2026.</p>
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== Is E-ZPass accepted in Missouri ==
 
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No transponders or electronic payment are accepted in Missouri, you can pay toll using cash only.
 
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== How are tolls calculated for trucks ==
 
  
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Tolls for trucks on the Lake of Ozarks Community Bridge<ref>[http://lakeoftheozarkscommunitybridge.com/map.htm Lake of Ozarks Community Bridge]</ref> are based on number of axles.
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Missouri vs. Neighboring States (2026)</h2>
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You can calculate the cost of toll and gas for you trucks of any class with '''Missouri Truck toll calculator'''.
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<table style="width: 100%; min-width: 600px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; color: #202122; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">
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<a href="https://tollguru.com/missouri-toll-calculator"><button class="custom-button button-orange" type="button">Missouri Truck Toll Calculator</button></a>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">State</th>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Toll Status</th>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Tag Needed</th>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Notes</th>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Missouri</strong></td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Completely toll-free</strong></td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">None</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">No tolls since April 30, 2024; state law prohibits future toll roads</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">[https://tollguru.com/illinois-tollway-bridges-toll-roads Illinois]</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Extensive tollway network (Chicago metro)</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">I-PASS / E-ZPass</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">All-electronic; no cash; passenger rate increase planned 2026</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">[https://tollguru.com/kansas-turnpike-toll-roads-bridges-k-tag Kansas]</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">236-mile turnpike; cashless since July 2024</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">K-TAG</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">No E-ZPass; $11.36 full turnpike K-TAG</td>
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</tr>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">[https://tollguru.com/iowa-toll-roads Iowa]</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Toll-free</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">None</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">No toll facilities; shares I-35 and I-29 corridors</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">[https://tollguru.com/tennessee-toll-roads Tennessee]</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Toll-free (express lanes authorized 2026)</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">None currently</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Transportation Modernization Act 2026 opens door for optional express lanes</td>
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== Missouri toll agencies ==
 
  
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Lake of the Ozarks Community Bridge Corporation<ref>[http://lakeoftheozarkscommunitybridge.com/ Lake of the Ozarks Community Bridge Corporation]</ref> manages tolls for Lake of Ozarks Bridge in Missouri. Please get in touch with the agency for any questions on your toll bill or payments.
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Useful Links &amp; Resources</h2>
  
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</div>{{tollWikiFooterTripCalculator|Missouri}}<div class="shadowCard referenceSection">
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<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
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== See also ==
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<li>[https://tollguru.com/us-toll US Toll Guide] - Full guide to all 37 toll states</li>
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<li>[https://tollguru.com/missouri-toll-calculator Missouri Trip Calculator] - Calculate fuel and trip costs for Missouri routes</li>
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<li>[https://tollguru.com/illinois-tollway-bridges-toll-roads Illinois Tollway Guide] - Toll information for neighboring Illinois</li>
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* [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/us-toll US state tolls and toll passes]
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<li>[https://tollguru.com/kansas-turnpike-toll-roads-bridges-k-tag Kansas Turnpike Guide] - K-TAG and turnpike information for neighboring Kansas</li>
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* [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki Worldwide tolls]
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<li>[https://www.modot.org Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)] - Official road conditions, projects, and travel information</li>
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* [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/kentucky-toll-bridge-riverlink Kentucky tolls]
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<a href="https://tollguru.com/missouri-toll-calculator"><button class="custom-button button-orange" type="button">Plan Your Missouri Trip</button></a>
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* [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/tennessee-toll-roads Tennessee tolls]
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== References ==
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<references></references>
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<h3 style="color: #202122; margin: 0 0 10px 0; font-size: 18px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: center;">Found outdated content or toll information? Join us to keep toll information accurate.</h3>
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<div style="margin: 15px 0; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://tollguru.com/contact"><button class="custom-button button-orange" style="margin-right: 10px;" type="button">Report Issue</button></a>
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<a href="https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=home-page"><button class="custom-button button-orange" type="button">Join Contributors</button></a>
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[[Category: US tolls]]
 
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[[Category: Tolling system of the world ]]
 
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[[Category: Toll pass ]]
 

Latest revision as of 08:14, 11 May 2026



Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state

Missouri Toll Roads Guide — Completely Toll-Free State

Toll Status: Completely toll-free — no toll roads, bridges, or tunnels anywhere in Missouri
Last Toll Facility: Lake of Ozarks Community Bridge — became toll-free April 30, 2024
Currency: US Dollar (USD) — no tolls to pay
Technology: No electronic toll collection systems in Missouri
Legal Status: Missouri state law prohibits future toll roads after voters rejected tolling in 1970 and 1992

Are There Any Tolls in Missouri? 2026 Update

No. Missouri is completely toll-free. As of April 30, 2024, there are no toll roads, toll bridges, or toll tunnels anywhere in the state. You do not need E-ZPass, any toll tag, or any special payment method to travel on Missouri roads and bridges.

2026 Update: The Lake of Ozarks Community Bridge — previously Missouri's only toll facility — paid off its $43 million construction debt two years ahead of schedule and became permanently toll-free on April 30, 2024. The bridge was immediately transferred to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Per the Missouri constitution, MoDOT cannot charge a toll on the bridge, meaning it will remain free indefinitely. Missouri voters have rejected toll roads in statewide referenda twice (1970 and 1992), and state law reflects that history by prohibiting toll road construction.

Lake of Ozarks Community Bridge — Now Toll-Free

The Lake of Ozarks Community Bridge was built in 1998 using a $43 million Transportation Development District (TDD) bond to span the main channel of the Lake of the Ozarks, connecting the east side of Missouri (toward St. Louis) to the west side (toward Kansas City). The bridge was a landmark example of private-public infrastructure financing in Missouri.

When operating as a toll bridge, passenger vehicles paid $3.00 in-season (May–September) and $2.00 out-of-season. Five-axle trucks paid $8.00 in-season and $5.50 out-of-season. After more than 1 million vehicles per year used the bridge — more than doubling original projections — the TDD paid off its bonds two years ahead of the projected 2026 payoff date. The toll collection equipment was shut down on April 30, 2024, the bridge gates were opened, and the crossing has been free ever since.

Location: The bridge spans the main channel of Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri, connecting Sunrise Beach on the east side to Lake Ozark/Osage Beach on the west side. It serves as a vital link for Lake area residents, businesses, and the significant summer tourism industry.

Traveling Through Missouri — What You Need to Know

All Missouri roads, highways, bridges, and interstates are completely free. No toll tags or electronic payment systems are required anywhere in the state. Key toll-free routes for travelers:

  • I-70: East-West corridor from Kansas City through Columbia to St. Louis — entirely toll-free
  • I-44: Southwest corridor from St. Louis toward Joplin and the Oklahoma border — entirely toll-free
  • I-55 / I-64 / I-270: St. Louis metro area interstates — all toll-free
  • I-35 / I-29: Kansas City metro and north-south corridors — all toll-free
  • Missouri River crossings: All bridges across the Missouri River, including those on I-70, I-435, and other routes, are toll-free
  • Mississippi River crossings: All bridges from Missouri into Illinois and other states are toll-free on the Missouri side (note: some Illinois toll facilities may apply on the other side of the river)
  • Lake of Ozarks Community Bridge: Free since April 30, 2024, under MoDOT maintenance

Planning a Road Trip Through Missouri

Missouri sits at the geographic center of the continental United States and serves as a major transit corridor for cross-country travel. Drivers passing through on I-70 (the primary east-west US toll-free corridor), I-44, or I-55 will pay zero tolls while in Missouri. However, neighboring states may have toll facilities:

  • Illinois (east): Illinois Tollway operates an all-electronic toll system in the Chicago metro area and on I-88/I-290; I-PASS or E-ZPass required for best rates
  • Kansas (west): Kansas Turnpike operates 236 miles of tolled highway including the I-335/I-70 corridor; K-TAG or pay-by-plate
  • Oklahoma (south): Oklahoma Turnpike Authority operates extensive tolled routes; PikePass or E-ZPass compatible
  • Tennessee, Kentucky, Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas: All toll-free; no tolls on routes from Missouri into these states

If you are traveling from Missouri into Illinois — for example, crossing the Mississippi River from St. Louis into the East St. Louis area — note that the Illinois Tollway begins further east. The immediate Mississippi River crossings (Martin Luther King, Stan Musial Veterans Memorial, Jefferson Barracks bridges) are toll-free on both sides. The Illinois Tollway system is primarily in the Chicago metro region.

Is Missouri Likely to Get Toll Roads in the Future?

Very unlikely. Missouri voters rejected toll road proposals in 1970 and 1992, and state law reflects those decisions by prohibiting the construction of toll roads. The Missouri constitution also prevents MoDOT from charging tolls on roads it takes over from Transportation Development Districts, as demonstrated by the Lake of Ozarks bridge transfer.

Missouri funds its road network through state fuel taxes, federal highway funds, and vehicle registration fees rather than tolls. No credible legislative proposal to introduce toll roads was pending as of early 2026.

Missouri vs. Neighboring States (2026)

State Toll Status Tag Needed Notes
Missouri Completely toll-free None No tolls since April 30, 2024; state law prohibits future toll roads
Illinois Extensive tollway network (Chicago metro) I-PASS / E-ZPass All-electronic; no cash; passenger rate increase planned 2026
Kansas 236-mile turnpike; cashless since July 2024 K-TAG No E-ZPass; $11.36 full turnpike K-TAG
Iowa Toll-free None No toll facilities; shares I-35 and I-29 corridors
Tennessee Toll-free (express lanes authorized 2026) None currently Transportation Modernization Act 2026 opens door for optional express lanes

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