MoDOT hosts Work Zone Awareness events across Missouri

National Work Zone Awareness Week kicked off busy construction season

Last week, MoDOT hosted news events across the state in partnership with the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) to kick off Work Zone Awareness Week and the start of Missouri’s busiest construction season to date.

The week kicked off April 21 with MoDOT, industry partners, MSHP and work zone crash victim advocates, who urged drivers to keep their phones down and slow down in work zones to keep themselves, other drivers and highway workers safe on the roadways.

Throughout the week, MSHP and local law enforcement conducted saturation patrols near work zones across the state to reinforce the message of work zone safety.

In St. Louis, MSHP Troop C focused a significant effort at the Interstate 270/Ladue work zone, targeting motorists who were speeding, driving carelessly, following other vehicles too closely, driving while intoxicated, etc. In one day, the saturation patrol resulted in 76 arrests and 37 warnings.
In Kansas City, the KC Police Department conducted a “Move Over” operation targeted toward drivers who weren’t properly slowing down and moving over in a work zone. In one day, they issued 222 citations or warnings.

National Work Zone Awareness Week is important not only for keeping motorists safe but also highlighting MoDOT's busiest construction season on record. Drivers can check the Traveler Information Map to see which work zones are active in their areas and plan an alternate route. Motorists can also fill out a Work Zone Customer Survey to let our maintenance crews know how they’re doing.

Improve I-70 Kansas City project begins construction

The Improve I-70 Kansas City project announced its first major closure this week. The 23rd Street bridge is now closed through November, as it's to be demolished and rebuilt this year. The project's three phases of construction will improve the safety and reliability of the corridor and increase local and regional connectivity. See the video overview.

Watch for motorcycles in warmer weather

The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety's Motorcycle Awareness Campaign reminds drivers that motorcyclists are more vulnerable in a crash. Always look twice for motorcyclists, as they are more susceptible to being overlooked or hidden in a vehicle's blind spots. Motorcyclists should wear helmets, drive sober and follow the speed limit.

Bridge extraction completed for Improve I-70 project

The view west of the Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 54 interchange in Kingdom City looks different now. As part of the Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City project, MoDOT's contractors spent the last several weeks removing the railroad bridge over I-70. This first project in MoDOT’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program is scheduled for completion in late 2027.

Congratulations to the 2025 trash can contest winners

MoDOT selected the winners of the 2025 "No MOre Trash!" contest, with the grand prize going to Sara Hoefer and her 6-8 grade students from East Carter R-II School District for their entry, "Don't get HOOKED on Litter." Their trash can will be on display in the MoDOT Highway Gardens at this year's State Fair. The contest is part of Missouri's “No MOre Trash!” campaign.