Final projects awarded in Governor's Rural Routes Program

2024 program includes $100 million in improvements on 1,800 lane miles

“This investment from the State of Missouri to specifically target these minor and low-volume routes is a huge boost in our effort to preserve our existing infrastructure. We’ve worked quickly to get these projects identified and awarded, and we look forward to continuing to bring these improvements to life.”

Eric Schroeter

MoDOT Assistant Chief Engineer

At its monthly meeting on March 6, the Missouri Highways & Transportation Commission awarded three projects for rural roads, the final projects awarded in the Governor’s Rural Routes Program. The program, created with Gov. Mike Parson’s signing of the fiscal year 2024 state budget, allocated $100 million of General Revenue funds to the Missouri Department of Transportation to improve low-volume rural roads across the state.

Using a data-driven analysis along with conversations with local planning partners, MoDOT identified and targeted more than 1,800 lane miles of low-volume roads in poor condition. The program bundled the work to address these roadways into 40 projects across the state and, once construction concludes, will have treated and improved 147 locations.

The $100 million program in fiscal year 2024 marked the second year of such an investment from the state’s General Revenue. The fiscal year 2023 program improved an additional 1,700 lane miles in 113 locations across the state.

Follow this link for more information on the Governor’s Rural Routes Program, including detailed project information.

The 2024 solar eclipse is only a month away

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will take place across southern and southeast Missouri, covering around 115 miles. People in the eclipse's path will have about four minutes when they can see the details of the sun. Visitors will come from all over to witness the event. Travelers should plan to leave early and stay after the end of the eclipse to avoid peak traffic. Learn more.

MoDOT's SAFER tool recognized by USDOT

The U.S. Department of Transportation recognized the Safety Assessment for Every Roadway (SAFER) tool in its list of 2024 National Roadway Safety Strategy stakeholders. SAFER is a safety discussion tool used within every transportation project that aims to proactively lower the risk of serious injuries and fatalities from traffic crashes. Learn more.

MoDOT hiring events happening across the state

MoDOT's hiring! More events are scheduled over the next few months, starting with one on Saturday, March 9 in New Florence. These events are primarily focused on maintenance worker positions as well as inspectors, highway designers, electricians and more. You can find the most up-to-date details about upcoming hiring events on the MoDOT Careers page.

Transportation History - Women's History Month

Pictured is Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to hold a pilot license and one of many influential women in transportation history. Women have made countless contributions in transportation through innovation and leadership over the years. Linked here is a video from AASHTO which highlights some of these women and their important accomplishments.