MoDOT urges drivers to be safe on Memorial Day weekend

Work zones, permanent lane closures to remain in place

The upcoming Memorial Day holiday signals the start of summer travel, and the Missouri Department of Transportation is urging drivers to be cautious and patient, and to use good judgment when traveling this busy season.

Impaired and distracted driving, excessive speeds and not wearing seat belts are just a few decisions that can take a long weekend from celebratory to deadly.

Over Memorial Day weekend last year, 14 people were killed and 60 were seriously injured in Missouri traffic crashes. These fatalities are almost always preventable by taking simple actions such as wearing a seat belt, putting down your phone and never texting while driving, obeying the speed limits, and never driving impaired.

That all applies in work zones as well, which drivers may see more of in these warmer months. Some of those work zones include permanent lane closures that will remain in place this Memorial Day weekend. Please pay attention and drive safely in work zones. Being a safe, responsible driver saves lives and reduces injuries to our crews and the traveling public. Plan your trip ahead of time and check for work zones on MoDOT's Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org or call our customer service center at 888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month

Preliminary data shows that in 2023, 175 motorcyclists were killed on Missouri roadways which is a 14% increase over the previous year. Drivers should share the road, check traffic before changing lanes, and allow extra space between your vehicle and a motorcycle. Motorcyclists can protect themselves by wearing a DOT-compliant helmet. Motorcycle summer safety video.

LETSAC hosts safety professionals conference

From July 22-26, the Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Advisory Council (LETSAC) will host its annual conference in Columbia. Traffic safety professionals will review current issues, new technology and concepts, and identify trends in impaired driving, speed, and other relevant issues. For further information learn more.

Public comment period underway for Improve I-70

People unable to attend the recent public hearings for the first project of the Improve I-70 program, Columbia to Kingdom City, are invited to review the materials and provide comments online through May 23. The planned improvements include new concrete pavement on all three lanes of I-70 in each direction for the 20-mile section between Columbia and Kingdom City. Comment here.

Supplier registration deadline approaching

The new Self-Service Supplier Registration Portal for MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS (Missouri Vital Enterprise Resource System), will be available to all suppliers on May 21. Suppliers must be registered in both the current MissouriBUYS and the new MissouriBUYS. An email will be sent when the new portal is open. Contact MOVERS@oa.mo.gov with questions.