Motorists will again experience a good deal of road and bridge construction on Missouri highways in 2010. More than 250 bridges are scheduled for construction this year under MoDOT’s Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program, a statewide effort to repair or replace more than 800 of Missouri's worst bridges by the end of 2013. Almost all of the bridges will be closed to speed construction and control costs. Drivers should consult the Safe & Sound interactive map for construction schedules, detour routes and other project details. Statewide, work continues on a number of economic stimulus projects, as well as the Better Roads, Brighter Future program that is improving 5,600 miles of roadway by the end of 2011.

To keep everyone safe, MoDOT is managing and improving work zones in many ways. We’ve enhanced work zone warning signs to make them more visible to motorists. We’ve also added a new online work zone report card that allows anyone to visit MoDOT’s Web site to rate a work zone. In addition, MoDOT provides an online map with work zone information to help you plan your trip. We’re working hard to keep motorists safe, but we need your help. Please watch for signs, be alert and don’t barrel through work zones.

· In 2009, 13 people were killed in work zones, an increase from 2008 when 12 people were killed.
· There were 670 people injured in 2009 work zones, compared to 599 in 2008. This is an increase of 11.9 percent.
· Between 2005 and 2009, 64 people were killed and 4,260 people were injured in Missouri work zones.
· Since 2000, 15 MoDOT employees have been killed in the line of duty.
· The top five contributing circumstances for work zone crashes in 2009 were inattention, following too closely, improper lane usage/change, too fast for conditions and failure to yield, - in this order.
· Your best defense in a work zone crash, or any crash is a seat belt. In 2009, of the 878 traffic fatalities, 693 were vehicle occupant fatalities. 67 percent of them were not wearing a seat belt.

Drive Smart in Work Zones to Arrive Alive

Here are some helpful tips:

• Buckle Up! – Every trip, every time – safety belts save lives.
• Stay Alert! – Dedicate your full attention to the roadway.
• Follow Signs! – They’ll guide you through work zones safely.
• Expect the Unexpected! – Watch for flaggers, workers and equipment.
• Pay Attention! – Turn the radio down and don’t use your cellular phone.
• Be Patient! – Remember workers are improving the road for future travels.
• Don’t Speed!– Follow posted limits and adjust for weather conditions.
• Don’t Drink and Drive! – Impairment of any kind is unacceptable.
• Be Nice! – Merge early, don’t tailgate and don’t change lanes in a work zone.

1-888 ASK MODOT

(1-888 275 6636)

 

For more information on road work, you can also visit the Department of Tourism's Detours page.