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Flood of 2017 breaks records
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On April 30 MoDOT's Traveler Information Map showed 384 roads closed during the peak of the flooding.
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The flood of 2017 in Missouri began on April 29 and Missouri continues to have roads closed due to flooding on May 11.
The total cost of this flood will not be known for months. Three bridges were completely washed away in southern Missouri, and the Interstate 44 bridge at Hazelgreen had the top layer of asphalt peeled off. Many rivers hit record crests across the state.
Here's a recap of the record breaking statistics:
- On Sunday, April 30, Missouri peaked with 384 roads closed.
- MoDOT's Traveler Information Map reached more than 1 million visitors.
- Each day 35 to 45 MoDOT employees worked the customer service lines handling nearly 50,000 calls for the week.
- MoDOT was represented in approximately 1,500 media articles across the state.
- MoDOT's statewide Facebook page increased its following by12,265 followers, and the page reached 4.8 million users with flooding posts.
- Due to the increased following to the MoDOT statewide Facebook page, MoDOT now has the third highest following of any DOT.
- The statewide Twitter account increased by 1,503 followers and reached 1.2 million users with flooding information.
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2017-2018 Missouri highway maps are here!
 The new 2017-2018 Official Missouri State Highway Map is now available!
The map features brighter colors and stronger paper to make it both easier to read and more durable. Also, new interstate interchanges and exit numbers have been added since the last published edition in 2013.
The map shows Missouri's 33,873-mile highway system and is distributed free of charge.
"We created the map using cutting-edge Geographic Information System software to provide Missourians with the most accurate information possible," said MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna. "In addition to the traditional paper map, drivers can also visit our online Traveler Information Map to get current updates on road closures, work zones and road conditions."
The location of truck parking along the interstates is now designated on the map and legend. Missouri State Parks have been updated and include the new Rock Island spur of the Katy Trail. The location of Missouri Conservation Management Areas and National Fish and Wildlife Areas are new to this map. The Kansas City inset map now shows the KC Streetcar line with stations.
Read more about what the the new map has to offer here - State Map.
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Take the pledge: when you get into any vehicle, buckle up your safety belt. If you are a driver, put the cellphone down. Join the 389 people (74 of which represent business) who have taken the pledge so far.
Click below to accept the challenge!
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Work Zones are
No Phone Zones! |
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Mowing season begins on Missouri roadsides
Motorists asked to slow down and pass crews carefully
Pushing the lawn mower back and forth across the yard is a springtime necessity. At MoDOT, our crews are beginning the mowing season with a main purpose: safety.
 During May and June, there is a good chance you will see MoDOT crews out mowing on tractor mowers so motorists have a clear, safe line of sight as they cruise along state highways.
"We ask motorists to pay attention and slow down when approaching mowing crews. Please take the time to pass carefully and safely especially on rural two-lane roads," said MoDOT State Maintenance Engineer Becky Allmeroth."
Major and minor routes will be mowed in three cycles starting in mid-May, mid-July and mid-September. Along with the mowing, crews selectively use herbicides to stunt vegetation growth as well as to control brush and stop the spread of noxious weeds. Wildflowers are an added benefit of not mowing fence-to-fence and careful herbicide usage.
On rural two-lane roads, crews may use a protective "follow" truck to alert motorists they are approaching slow-moving mowers. Drivers are advised to use the following tips to safely pass mowers:
- Be alert for trucks and tractors with lights flashing and moving slowly, 2 to 5 mph.
- Slow down and focus on the road ahead of you. Avoid talking and texting on a cell phone or other distractions.
- Be prepared to stop or drive very slowly behind a "follow" truck, especially approaching a hill or curve on a two-lane road.
- Obey the no passing zone stripes and only pass when you can see far enough past the "follow" truck to avoid meeting oncoming traffic.
Between mowing cycles, report grass and weeds blocking visibility at intersections along state roads to MoDOT. Contact MoDOT's 24/7 Customer Service Center at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or fill out an online form at www.modot.org and click on Report A Road Concern.
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Public comment period opens on
State Transportation Improvement Program
MoDOT will focus its efforts on preservation of the state's transportation system - a $54 billion asset that carries a $125 billion replacement cost. That's the central theme of the draft 2018-2022 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, or "STIP," which was presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission May 3.
 Transportation Planning Director Machelle Watkins told commissioners the draft STIP includes 606 new projects that invest in 2,252 lane miles of interstate pavements, 3,302 miles of major route pavements, 7,461 miles of minor route pavements and 497 bridges.
Missouri has the nation's seventh largest state highway system with 33,873 miles of roadways and 10,394 bridges.
The draft 2018-2022 STIP lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies for fiscal years 2018 through 2022 (July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2022). The proposed program is available for public review. Those interested in seeing the program or offering comments can contact MoDOT by Email to
STIPcomments@modot.mo.gov, by calling customer service centers at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636), or by mail to Transportation Planning, Program Comments, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102. The program is also available on MoDOT's website, www.modot.org/plansandprojects/construction_program/STIP2018-2022/index.htm, and at MoDOT district and regional offices around the state. The formal comment period ends June 2, 2017.
Read More here - STIP. |
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TMA Flagger runs the table at MoDOT's
Innovations Challenge Showcase
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Click above to watch a short video on MoDOT's Innovations Challenge Showcase.|
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For the first time, a single innovation won both of the top two awards at MoDOT's Innovations Challenge Showcase. The TMA Flagger innovation from the Kansas City District got the nod from showcase visitors and safety review panel in winning the People's Choice Award and the Director's Safety Award. The innovation allows a TMA driver to remotely operate a stop-slow paddle, a digital message and a panic air horn from the safety of the truck's cab.
The road to the showcase floor started last fall when a total of 144 first-round winners were evaluated by statewide teams to choose the 60 innovations for the showcase. Judges rated the 60 innovations on originality, transferability, conservation of resources and organizational impact. Twelve innovations won awards at the Showcase.
MoDOT Chief Engineer Ed Hassinger said the event continues to wow him. "Each year I think we've probably thought of everything," said Hassinger, "but the talent and creativity of our employees continues to fill the exhibit hall." Hassinger challenged employees in all areas of the organization to put the innovations to work. "An innovation put on the shelf doesn't do us any good. We have to put these innovations to work all over our organization," he said.
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| Summer Construction Project |
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Katy Trail Bridge project approved by commission
A project to improve the southbound U.S. Route 63 bridge over the Katy Trail in Callaway County has been approved by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. The commission approved a contract with Capital Paving and Construction to install a new deck and widen the bridge, located north of Jefferson City. The contractor submitted the low bid of $1,141, 370.
 The project will require both lanes of southbound Route 63 over the Katy Trail to be closed for several months. Southbound traffic will be diverted to northbound Route 63, which will carry one lane of traffic in each direction. The full closure of southbound Route 63 will not occur until after Memorial Day weekend, with the project scheduled to be completed by the fall. Some occasional overhead work on the bridge will also require full and partial closures of the Katy Trail to bicycle and pedestrian traffic during weekday hours.
MoDOT appreciates the patience of travelers during the work.
For more information about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/central.
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Be smart; be brave; be a good friend - don't let anyone drink and drive
May 4-15 marks the annual Youth Alcohol Enforcement Campaign. The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety will take that time to encourage Missouri's youth to be smart, be brave, and be a good friend by not letting anyone drink and drive.
 In 2016, 201 people were killed and 652 were seriously injured in crashes involving a substance-impaired driver.
It is illegal for anyone under 21 to possess or consume alcohol in Missouri, and the state's Zero Tolerance law states that if you are under 21, your license will be suspended if you are caught driving with even a trace of alcohol in your system.
Other potential consequences of choosing to drive impaired for drivers of all ages include:
- Being charged with involuntary manslaughter if you cause a fatal crash while intoxicated - a felony resulting up to seven years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine;
- Installing an ignition interlock device on their car before reinstating driving privileges if you are found guilty of a second or subsequent intoxication-related traffic offense;
- Having difficulty finding insurance coverage and having significantly higher rates.
- Losing your license on the spot and having your car impounded should you refuse a sobriety test; and/or
- Suffering the added embarrassment, humiliation, potential loss and consequences after informing family, friends and employers.
For more information, please visit www.saveMOlives.com or on social media at Save MO Lives.
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Did you know...
between 2012-2014, vehicle occupants who were killed during the day - 59 percent were unrestrained vs. vehicle occupants who were killed at night - 74 percent were unrestrained!
BUCKLE UP DAY OR NIGHT!
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Statewide Fatality Totals
as reported on the
Missouri State Highway Patrol
website
as of May 8, 2017:
2017 Totals as of 5-8-17 - 282
(28 were motorcycle crashes)
2016 Totals as of 5-8-16 - 289
2015 Totals as of 5-8-15 - 260
2014 Totals as of 5-8-14 - 229
2013 Totals as of 5-8-13 - 201
2012 Totals as of 5-8-12 - 276
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Missouri Dept. of Transportation | (888) 275-6636
P.O. Box 270 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0270
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