Express Lane - January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Click the thumbnail below for a video recap of news across the state.

View the Express Lane video for the January 8 edition.

MoDOT shares human trafficking prevention tips

Know the signs to help Put the Brakes on Human Trafficking

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month and this time every year, MoDOT shares educational materials with the traveling public to help them recognize the signs of abuse. Sunday, Jan. 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, which coincides with the Department of Homeland Security's annual Wear Blue Day awareness campaign.

MoDOT is on the front lines in the fight against human trafficking. The department has crews working all over the state who are trained in identifying the signs and what to do if human trafficking is suspected.

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or soliciting labor or services against the person's will. It can take place at rest stops, gas stations or convenience stores, as well as less obvious places like fast-food restaurants.

Here are some potential warning signs of a trafficking situation and indicators that someone might be a victim:

Physical abuse.
Branding tattoos such as dollar signs or bar codes.
Appearing disoriented or malnourished.
Wearing ill-fitting or inappropriate clothing for the weather or location.
Refusing to speak or make eye contact with anyone other than their trafficker.

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, in 2024 there were 272 cases of human trafficking in Missouri involving 539 victims, up from 247 cases in 2023. These numbers only include what was identified and reported, which is why education is so important.

Remember, if you see something, say something:

Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733) or call 9-1-1 if someone is in immediate danger.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in more than 200 languages.
All calls are confidential and answered live by highly trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocates.
A live online chat is also available 24/7.
Tips about potential trafficking cases can be submitted online or via email.

As part of the Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking initiative, MoDOT has joined with other state DOTs and the U.S. Department of Transportation to "Put the Brakes on Human Trafficking." For more information about human trafficking prevention, visit MoDOT's website.

MoDOT seeks public input on intercity bus service in Missouri

If you or someone you know uses public transportation services such as OATS, Greyhound or Jefferson Lines, your input is needed. MoDOT is conducting a Statewide Intercity Bus Needs Assessment to help determine the need and current usage of intercity bus service in Missouri. Intercity bus service should not be confused with public transit service which involves shorter, more local trips. The brief, online survey closes Jan. 31.

Buck O'Neil Bridge ranked second in Top 10 Bridge Awards

The Buck O’Neil Bridge in Kansas City earned second place in Roads & Bridges' Top 10 Bridge Awards for 2025, which recognizes the top projects in North America based on project challenges, impact to region and scope of work. The new Buck O'Neil Bridge, completed in December 2024, was awarded for the innovative ways it has relieved congestion, improved airport access and strengthened connections across Kansas City.

MoDOT hosts public meetings on truck parking improvements

MoDOT's Improve I-70 Program includes approximately $29 million in infrastructure improvement grant funding to expand truck parking availability along the I-70 corridor. In late January, the public will be invited to learn more about the need for more truck parking and provide feedback on this upcoming project which could improve rest area parking in Odessa, Concordia, Boonville, Mineola and Wright City. Visit the project website to learn more.

Did you know? MoDOT's Customer Service is available 24/7

MoDOT maintains more than 34,000 miles of roadway, and no one knows them better than the public traveling the system every day. If you see something that needs attention, use the Report a Road Concern form or contact the customer service line 24/7 at 1-888-ASK-MODOT. In 2025, MoDOT answered 137,897 calls and received 24,343 online requests. We take pride in serving our customers and thank everyone who reached out for assistance.