The initial scope of the project would have constructed a new 1.1-mile, four-lane section of US 550 north of La Plata County Road 220 to connect the major highway with the existing US 160 interchange. By using the design-build process RS&H and Lawrence were able to stretch funding, allowing for the widening of an additional 3.3-mile section of US 550 south of CR 220 to four lanes, tying into the existing four-lane highway at the CR 302 intersection.

By realigning US 550 to connect with the US 160 interchange in Grandview, the project will greatly enhance safety for passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as cyclists. The new connection will eliminate the steep, curved grade of the current US 550. This realignment will create a full-service, continuous-flow interchange that eliminates signalization and at-grade intersections where crashes can occur. Safety will also be improved through the widening of US 550 to four lanes, with widened shoulders and auxiliary lanes for safer merges. Finally, the project will increase safety through wildlife underpass crossings and deer fencing, which will reduce animal-vehicle collisions.