Missouri State Fair kicks off with "Summer's Best Story" theme

Stop by MoDOT's Highway Gardens for giveaways, activities and more

Since 1901, the Missouri State Fair has been a staple in Missouri culture and today, Aug. 8, marks the opening day of this year’s fair which runs through Aug. 18!

As always, MoDOT will have volunteers staffing the Highway Gardens building where fairgoers will be encouraged to take the Buckle Up Phone Down (BUPD) pledge. BUPD has been a sponsor of the fair for many years, with Thursday, Aug. 15 designated as the fair's Buckle Up Phone Down day.

MoDOT's Highway Gardens building will have state maps available, among other handouts. Also returning this year is the impaired vision ring toss activity where attendees can learn the effects that driving impaired has on your vision.

Be sure to stop by the Highway Gardens building to learn how to make sure your best summer story is a safe and sober one.

Buck O'Neil Bridge project is nearing completion

Kansas City's Buck O’Neil Bridge project reached a milestone in July as the final girders were put in place for the new bridge. Crews continue to build the bridge deck, and the project is anticipated to be completed by the end of this year. Buck O'Neil (formerly Broadway Bridge) connects downtown Kansas City to the communities north of the Missouri River. Learn more.

Excessive heat leads to road maintenance concerns

The recent extreme heat has led to a few unexpected road concerns, such as pavement blow-ups. These are caused by moisture heating up under the roadway during sustained temperatures over 90 degrees, which can lead to emergency road closures until repairs are made. During these warmer temperatures, MoDOT crews also perform seal coat operations.

Contractor selected for Improve I-70 KC project

At its monthly meeting on Aug. 7, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission selected the contractor for the Improve I-70 KC project, which covers a five-mile stretch of Interstate 70 between The Paseo Blvd. and U.S. 40/31 St. in Kansas City. The $237 million project will improve safety and reliability while minimizing overall traffic impacts.

Missouri high school students host mock DWI crashes

Students from ten Missouri high schools participated in mock DWI crashes during the "Teens taking action to prevent traffic crashes" (TRACTION) youth traffic safety leadership training conferences July 21-27. TRACTION is a statewide program which promotes safe driving habits and empowers teens while preventing underage drinking, distracted driving and more.

www.modot.org

Missouri Dept. of Transportation | (888) 275-6636

P.O. Box 270 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0270