Missouri Department of Transportation

Tidy Roadsides

2012-02-29T13:00:00.004-06:00

Three weeks. Just three more weeks until the official start of spring.

SPRING! Just typing or saying the word aloud makes me happy - even though that word is often followed by one of my least favorite terms - cleaning.

The results are always worth the work, though. And it's just about time for travelers to spot Missouri's Adopt-A-Highway volunteers hard at work tidying up the state, kicking off the program's 25th year!

More than 4,000 groups care for 6,281 miles. They sign up to pick up at least one-half mile of urban roadside or two miles or rural road, collecting litter at least four times a year. Doing so, they save taxpayers $1 million and get some good exercise.

Civic groups, schools, scouts, clubs and other organizations receive recognition for their work on blue Adopt-A-Highway roadside signs. Several families choose to make their effort a living memorial. Companies can choose the Sponsor-A-Highway option in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas and receive roadside recognition for their contributions.

Litter pick-up isn't the only kind of adoption. Some folks sign up to mow roadsides and other groups landscape with native wildflowers and grasses. The landscapers work in concert with MoDOT and the Missouri Department of Conservation to choose plants that have the best chance to survive, support wildlife and provide extra benefits such as erosion control.

If you are interested in joining our valued volunteers or beautifying businesses, learn more about the programs at http://www.modot.org/services/community/adoptahighway.htm

Is It Time for "The Talk"?

2012-02-22T15:23:00.004-06:00

The day is coming faster than I want it to come.

I'll have to sit her down and have "the talk."

It will be awkward. I'm going to stumble over my words. I'll need to be ready for any emotional outbursts. But it's all a part of life and I have to accept that.

"Mom," I'll say. "How do you feel about your driving? Do you think you're still a safe motorist?"

She's already cut back on her nighttime driving. It makes her uncomfortable. So her friends or one of my family members take the wheel instead.

The day she hands over the keys for good will be tough on this very independent lady, but she sees it coming, too.

"The last thing I want," she says, "is to hurt someone because I caused a crash."

Older drivers are the subject of a MoDOT-sponsored gathering this week. Experts from around the state will discuss the road safety needs of our aging population.

On their minds is this fact: Although drivers 65 and older account for eight percent of all miles driven, they comprise 17 percent of traffic fatalities.

We've got a lot of company in addressing the issues. A report released today from TRIP, a transportation research group, describes the efforts of state departments of transportation to address older drivers.

TRIP reports that the growing ranks of older Americans "will far outpace previous generations with their level of ability and activity. Serving their needs will require a transportation system that includes safer roads, safer vehicles and improved choices."

Visit http://www.savemolives.com/older-driver.html now and in the months to learn more and to find tools to help older drivers you know and love.

What's In A Name? US 71 to Become I-49

2012-02-17T15:23:00.002-06:00

MoDOT is preparing for final projects in the transformation of U.S. Route 71 from national highway to interstate standards. Why?

The change will increase economic opportunities for Missouri and enhance the safety of travelers.

When businesses consider locating in Missouri, one of the first factors they consider is access to quality transportation. Preference is given to locations that are near to interstate highways. The I-49 designation will ensure this factor is not an obstacle for the communities along the corridor between Kansas City and Joplin. Plus, the I-49 designation benefits Kansas City’s development as an “inland port” for the flow of freight throughout the country.

Traffic on the US 71 corridor between Kansas City and Joplin already consists of 30 percent trucks. The route connects Kansas City's interstates with Interstate 44. As freight volumes are expected to increase, we believe upgrading U.S. 71 to interstate standards makes sense.

Future projects in Arkansas are expected to complete I-49's path from New Orleans to Kansas City, making road transport of freight to and from the Port of New Orleans more efficient. This has exciting implications.

In 2014, the expansion of the Panama Canal will be complete. Super container ships that are now unable to squeeze through the canal will be able to bring their cargo into the Port of New Orleans. The drive from New Orleans to Kansas City is shorter than the drive from the west coast ports, so the cost to bring goods to the midwest should fall. That's good news for consumers.

The transformation is more than just a name change. In order to be classified as an interstate, a route must meet stringent requirements. U.S. 71 largely met the requirements from Kansas City to Missouri's southern border. However, because no at-grade intersections are allowed on an interstate, several interchanges were either built or are underway. Intersections with ramps and overpasses are much safer than those that occur at-grade (without overpasses or underpasses). They virtually eliminate T-bone-type crashes.

We believe the investment made to transform U.S. 71 into Interstate 49 will pay off both economically and in safety for Missourians in decades to come.

Except on the Third Tuesday of the Month

2012-02-16T14:42:00.002-06:00

Okay, I admit it. Sometimes I include waaaaay to much detail in the pieces I write. I've learned to write, walk away and come back to edit later - saving many forests worth of trees in the process.

I bet the person or group who ordered this sign for a school zone in Oakland County, Michigan wishes for a do-over with the editing pen. Maybe stating that the 25 mph limit applied from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. would get the point across better.

Thanks to ABC news for the photo.

Not Your Father's Oldsmobile

2012-02-10T11:46:00.003-06:00

Today's Wall Street Journal included an article about cars that have touchscreen technology, Internet access and Twitter functionality built in.

It's interesting how quickly we've gone from, "No, he's on his way to Springfield. I'll call that office and ask them to give him a note to call you." to folks scheduling conference calls during drive time and parents texting kids from parking lots.

Having phone and computer access on the road makes handling work and family business more efficient. The safety aspects continue to be debated.

What do you think?

Digging for a Story

2012-01-26T13:18:00.004-06:00

When I first started at MoDOT, I was surprised to hear someone say they’d spoken with “one of our archaeologists”.

What?

MoDOT is about highways and bridges, airports and barges, bikes, walkers, transit and the like. What was this nonsense about archeologists on staff?

I soon learned that historical research is a vital part of receiving federal funding and permits for construction and building projects. Funds aren’t approved until MoDOT proves it complies with the National Historic Preservation Act.

Tim Porter and Brianne Greenwood work in MoDOT’s Historic Preservation unit. You can think of them as cold-case detectives. They piece together the stories of people and activities from prehistoric times to near-current day periods.

Last week, we found Tim processing artifacts excavated in St. Louis prior to the start of the earthwork for a new Interstate 70 Mississippi River bridge.

The excavated areas were formerly residential, commercial and industrial in nature. Evidence of foundries, factories, homes and parks was uncovered. Some artifacts, like the bottle and china doll pictured here, were brought back to the office for further study.

Piece by piece, Tim and his colleagues are telling the story of those who lived and worked in the area during the 1800s and early 1900s. Find some of those stories here: http://www.modot.org/ehp/sites/NewMissRiverProject.htm

Brianne is helping to process artifacts recovered from two sites near the 80-year old North River Bridge west of Palmyra.

The bridge, located on Route 168, is to be replaced this spring. Because it and the nearby archaeological sites are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, data must be collected before construction could start.

Excavations at a site southeast of the old bridge believed to be dated 3000 to 1000 B.C. – known as the Late Archaic period – yielded evidence of people considered to be hunters and gatherers who did not raise crops.

A more recent encampment site located north of Route 168 dated between 500 and 850 A.D. Here, evidence was found of groups of people living in structures much like wigwams, indicating they did not move around as much.

Learn more about the work near the North River Bridge here: http://www.modot.org/northeast/virtualmeetingcomments.htm

Many thanks to Tana Akright for her contributions to this blog post.

Instilling Skills

2012-01-20T10:13:00.004-06:00

Aaron Cox instructs MoDOT’s construction and maintenance employees on the finer points of their jobs. He takes care of workers when they are new on the job and when it’s time to review and renew their skills.

Lately, he’s had every five-year old boy’s dream job – crawling around big dump trucks while instructing the folks who drive them for MoDOT on how to conduct a thorough pre-trip inspection.

Inspections help identify defects before they become problems.

Just like commercial truck drivers, our folks check headlamps, signals, tires, mechanical and braking systems and such for anything that’s not just right before and after every trip. Aaron reminds employees to monitor the performance and handling of the truck on the road, too.

If they find a hint of a problem, mechanics can take care of it before it becomes expensive to repair or, more importantly, before it results in a crash.

He knows that by keeping our vehicles in good shape, our workers can help folks that share the highways with our big yellow trucks to ARRIVE ALIVE.

The little boy that lives inside Aaron thinks that’s way cool.

Tweets from the Passenger Seat

2012-01-12T13:54:00.002-06:00

This morning, MoDOT Customer Relations Manager Marisa Ellison hopped in the passenger seat of one of our snowplows and gave a running commentary of what she saw in the Hannibal area via Twitter. Here's her account:

Snow plowing is serious business, so when I mentioned to Maintenance Superintendent Butch Mundle I wanted to tweet from a snow plow, he humored me.

Jamie Gottman was my capable snow “chauffeur,” and we took out onto US 61 north of Palmyra January 12 at 7 a.m. Snow was flying, wind blowing, and it was downright cold. Not in the plow, though. I could safely “tweet” the experience in a comfortable, heated setting while listening to country music on the radio. I tried not to distract Jamie; he was excellent at paying attention - and you have to be in a snow plow. I tweeted “there are several controls used in the cab, such as one for the gears, one for the blade, and one for the wing plow.” I forgot to mention the spreader control panel on the dashboard that distributes salt and other chemicals from the bed of the dumptruck. Jamie never missed a beat, or an intersection, or a shoulder.

We saw several accidents, which wasn’t surprising considering it was the first time many drivers had been in snow this year. I tweeted about one accident, which had traffic backed up, then tweeted about the next accident right up the road. Emergency responders had their work cut out for them in the frigid temps. But so did Jamie. Because the crashes caused traffic to stop, the unused lanes ahead were quickly covered by snow. Then it started snowing harder. Jamie made quick work of those flakes.

Soon, he asked if I was ready to go back to the office, and I was. Tweeting for two hours could have been challenging, yet Jamie and our surroundings kept it interesting. MoDOT's regional and statewide Twitter accounts pick up dozens of new followers with each winter weather event and this morning was no exception. I hope our followers found the tweets from a snowplow as educational as I did.

Masters of the Elements

2012-01-06T09:52:00.003-06:00

It was made apparent to me in my high school days that a career in chemistry was far beyond my reach. I’m thankful I had that epiphany before any real damage was done to the school or my classmates.

Yet I’ve always been fascinated by the folks that understand the functioning of the elements. This week, John Bell and Tracy Adams, two of MoDOT’s senior chemists were hard at work, coaxing chemicals to provide answers we need to build the best possible transportation system.

John worked on an emulsion distillation. Yes. John has a still…at work. Only this still removes water from an asphalt emulsion so he can test the properties of the asphalt residue that remains. It’s got to meet stringent requirements to be accepted for use in road building and maintenance. By the way, he does not recommend drinking the results of the distillation. Ewww.

Tracy used three solutions to calibrate the pH meter before testing rock samples submitted as potential backfill material on an upcoming project. Her testing would reveal whether the acidity/basic level of the minerals in the rock will interact well with all of the other materials used on the project. Yes, road building needs to be that scientific – if you want highways, runways and other structures to last.

It’s always interesting to peek around the corner and see who does what at MoDOT. What wonder will we find next? Check back to find out!

Focus on the Road Winner Gets New Ford Focus

2011-12-20T09:29:00.000-06:00

At the Joe Machens Ford dealership last night, 11 finalists lined up, each holding a key. One of the keys would start the engine of a brand new 2012 Ford Focus.

The finalist's journey began with the Focus on the Road campaign sponsored by the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, KRCG and Joe Machens Ford. Nearly 9,000 people made the pledge on KRCG's website to stay focused on driving.

One by one, each finalist that had pledged to stay focused and shun distracted driving climbed in the car and tried their key. Tension mounted when only two contestants were left, and then Jody Mealy of Portland, Mo., got into the driver's seat. As the engine started up smoothly for her, Mealy's excitement was unmistakable.

Each day, distracted driving causes nearly 8,000 crashes nationwide. Making your own pledge to stay focused will help bring that number down.

We can't all win a car for our pledge, but when we focus, everyone on the road wins big.

For more information about how to stop distracted driving, visit www.saveMOlives.com.

Holiday Express

2011-12-16T15:13:00.001-06:00

KCS's Holiday Express has delivered Jolly Old St. Nicholas to Union Station in Kansas City. Bring the kids out this weekend: Dec. 16 and 17 from 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m and Dec. 18 from 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. It's free!

Cell Phone Use Banned for Commercial Motor Vehicles

2011-12-14T13:28:00.000-06:00

With the start of the new year, commercial motor vehicle drivers will need to put their phones down when behind the wheel.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration are implementing a ban for drivers of commercial motor vehicles and buses. School bus drivers and those driving vehicles designed to carry nine to 15 passengers are included.

These drivers are banned from reaching for, holding or dialing a mobile phone while driving.

Do you know a CMV or bus driver? A hands-free device may be a great holiday gift idea.

Find the full federal regulations at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-12-02/html/2011-30749.htm.

Time to Focus and Win!

2011-12-08T10:39:00.001-06:00

What a great way to start off 2012 -- a pledge for safe driving, and a 2012 Ford Focus! There's still time to make your pledge and enter to win! Entries are accepted until December 14, 2011. Follow Focus on the Road at www.facebook.com/focusontheroadmo or visit www.connectmidmissouri.com/focusontheroad.

Good luck, and safe travels!

No MOre Trash!

2011-12-07T15:35:00.001-06:00

With the holidays in full swing, decorations are popping up all over. If your family gets tired of the same old tinsel and lights, here's a twist for your decorating skills. Even better, your children can help fight against litter throughout the state.

The Missouri Department of Conservation and MoDOT are sponsoring the annual "Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter Free" trash-can-decorating contest.

The contest encourages school classes and groups to join in the fight against litter by decorating and displaying a large trash can with the No MOre Trash! logo and a litter-prevention message. It's free to enter and teaches students a valuable message about keeping Missouri clean for generations to come.

Seems like a great way to clean up Missouri, and also impress Santa as he puts together that famous list.

Find all of the details at www.nomoretrash.org.

2011 Grand Prize Winners

KCS's Holiday Express Will Deliver Santa

2011-12-05T15:14:00.005-06:00

You better watch out; you better not cry. You better not pout, I’m tellin’ you why. Santa Claus is coming to town … but it won’t be by sleigh! Instead of freight, the Kansas City Southern Railway Company’s Holiday Express train will deliver special passengers from the North Pole instead to a handful of Missouri communities this month.

KCS’s 11th Annual Holiday Express train will bring Santa Claus and his elves to seven Missouri communities. Access to the Holiday Express train is free and open to the public. No tickets are required.

In addition to jolly old St. Nicholas, the festive train will also bring holiday cheer in another very special way to the communities at large. Gift cards will be donated to each local Salvation Army through the KCS Charitable Fund, providing warm clothing and other necessities to children in need. For more information, go to www.kcsouthern.com.

Missouri stops include Joplin, Slater, Mexico, Kansas City, Grain Valley, Higginsville and Blue Springs between December 9 and 21, see schedule.

Smart Santa

2011-12-05T11:23:00.000-06:00

Santa is no fool - in addition to tracking that naughty and nice list, he knows how to make sure he's home safely after a long night.

Law enforcement will be out today through Dec. 12 cracking down on drivers who are impaired. Whether your vehicle is a car, truck or sleigh, make the right choice and drive sober. If your merry-making involves alcohol or anything else that takes away your focus, find a safe ride home. You may not find a flying cab, but our Show Me My Buzz app can at least help you find a safe ride on the ground.

Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Still, Buckle Up

2011-12-05T09:22:00.001-06:00

An article in the New York Times last Friday talks about new safety standards under discussion for vehicles that would help keep unbelted passengers from flying out of side windows. Car manufacturers would have to add additional or larger airbags to the side windows by 2017, costing approximately $31 per vehicle.

I appreciate the use of every technology available to make vehicles as safe as possible. Traffic statistics prove that ejection from a vehicle is far more likely to cause death or a very serious injury, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that these standards would save nearly 400 lives each year. Certainly, that's a good thing.

One worry, though -- will it make people feel too safe? Will they think that buckling up doesn't matter?

What do you think? Would this technology make you feel like seat belts aren't as necessary?

We hope that no matter what vehicle you're in and what standards are adopted, you'll take the three seconds to ensure you remain safely in place.

Winter Won't Wait

2011-12-01T09:35:00.000-06:00

For me, this year has flown! I did a double-take this morning when I realized it's actually the last month of the year, the month winter officially begins. I've really been in denial about the cold coming, still occasionally going out without my coat, staring longingly at my sandals.

But experience has taught me that no matter what schedule I'm on, winter won't wait.

The last thing I want is to be stranded with a car that I didn't prepare for winter. If I'm cold now, I can imagine how I'd feel stuck in a snowstorm.

This video is a good reminder to get my vehicle in shape for the snow ahead. Hope it helps you too! Let us know if you have any tips to add for safe winter travel.

Opinions for Improving Missouri's Rail System

2011-11-30T08:05:00.001-06:00

Gatheringopinions to help shape the future of Missouri’s rail system was the focus of communityleader workshops and public meetings recently conducted by Multimodal Railroad staff in each ofMoDOT’s seven districts.

Thefollowing comments from participants give just a few examples of what stafflearned about how important freight and passenger rail service are toMissourians:

Freightrail benefits Missouri with jobs, fuel efficient transportation of all goodshauled and [it] connects all of Missouri with the rest of the nation.

[Freightrail] helps get very heavy or awkward freight off the roads, which means lessdamage to roads and bridges and less danger to auto traffic. It expandsshipping options and encourages industry.

Railpassenger service provides an economical transportation alternative to thosewith and without access to cars, helps with tourism, helps to save the environmentby reducing pollution, and promotes better land use and development.

Thesecomments and others captured at meetings in October and November have been compiledand will be used to develop a new State Rail Plan. The plan will provide the strategicframework for improving the movement of goods and people in Missouri for thenext 20 years.

MultimodalRailroad officials have also met with Amtrak and key freight railroad companiesthat operate in Missouri to gather additional information for the plan. Statisticssuch as passenger ridership, miles of track, commodities hauled, tonnage andvalue of shipments, system size and other operational information will provide animportant overview of today’s system. MoDOT will use this data to identify currentrail assets, rail system conditions and capacity and future project needs inthe plan.

“Wehad great discussions across the state,” said MoDOT’s Rail Administrator EricCurtit. “Overall, Missourians expressed that freight and passenger rail serviceis important to Missouri’s economic well being and quality of life.”

Communitiesexpressed interest in expanding passenger rail service to areas like Hannibal,St. Joseph, Springfield and Branson. Business leaders expressed interest ingaining better access to freight rail service as an economical shipping optionthat would, in turn, enable them to create more jobs and generate more revenue.

Throughoutthe winter months, the State Rail Plan project team will prepare a draft. Itwill assess and evaluate the current system, identify and prioritize futureprograms and projects and guide long-term policies for the future developmentof Missouri’s rail system. The team will return to communities across Missouriin the spring so the public can review and comment on the plan before it iscompleted and submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration in May 2012.

Plan B: Come as You Are

2011-11-29T15:23:00.001-06:00

A new impaired driving logo and slogan warns of the consequences of impaired driving.

On a chilly fall evening, I sat behind the wheel of my car in the parking lot of the college hangout.

“Hey! There you are! Get out! Come in!” slurred my friend. “We found someone we want you to meet. We’ve told him all about you!”

“No, thanks,” I said. “Where’s your roommate? Get in the car.”

“But you have to come in! He’s soooooo cute!”

“No.”

After an exchange reminiscent of a debate between three-year olds, I decided to pull my ace. Opening my jacket, I gave my friend a quick glimpse of my warm pajamas.

“Get. In. The. Car.” I demanded, as I saw the roommate approach.

The two poured themselves in the backseat in a fit of giggles.

“I can’t believe you came to pick us up in your jammies!” one declared. “What if you got pulled over?”

“I’d explain that I was on my way to pick up two friends who were too drunk to drive … but who are smart enough to call for a ride,” I said.

“We love you!” they sang.

“You should.”

It wasn’t the first time I was a “Plan B” driver and it certainly wasn’t the last. I’ve been the passenger, too.

It’s part of a long-standing pact with friends and family – if you don’t have a completely sober driver or if the cold medicine you took at work makes you woozy, start dialing. We’ve all promised to come right away, whenever called. A safe way home is that important.

If more people did that, some of the 217 people who died in Missouri last year because an impaired person decided to drive would still be here. None of us want anyone to go through the legal horror of a driving under the influence conviction. None of us want to be the cause of another family’s grief.

This holiday season, law enforcement will be out in full force Dec. 5-12, cracking down on drivers who are impaired. For your celebrations, make a plan of your own that includes a designated driver, alternate transportation or a safe place to stay.

I still get an earful about the pajamas all these years later. That kind of grief my friends are happy to inflict.

Saved by the Belt

2011-11-24T10:40:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Heidi making the smart choice to buckle up, she and her family have a happy Thanksgiving celebration today.

Save Your Giblets

2011-11-23T10:01:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving can be a dangerous time for motorists, especially unbelted ones. No matter when you're traveling, make sure the only belt unbuckled is at your Thanksgiving dinner table and not in your vehicle.

It's your best defense in a crash. Buckle Up to Arrive Alive!

Limiting Work Zones for Thanksgiving Travel

2011-11-22T15:54:00.001-06:00

Ready for Thanksgiving? To help with your travels, this weekend, we're restricting construction work on interstates and state highways. Work will stop at noon tomorrow and resume at 9 a.m. on Monday.

Traffic will still be restricted in areas where there are permanent barriers, and crews may continue to work on sections of roadway closed to the public.

To get the latest road condition reports, keep the Traveler Information Map handy at www.modot.org.

Home for the Holidays

2011-11-17T11:04:00.001-06:00

Just in time for busy Thanksgiving travel, Amtrak's Missouri River Runner is adding a third coach to Train 316, the evening eastbound train, from Kansas City to St. Louis, Nov. 16-27.

The added coach will help with seating for holiday travelers, as more are expected for the Thanksgiving holiday. Last year, ridership was up 17 percent in November from the previous year.

For more information, visit www.morail.org.

Do you have any stories about your train travel in Missouri! Please share your Missouri River Runner memories in the comments.

Many Accomplishments Made, Bold Action Needed

2011-11-16T13:15:00.001-06:00

Much has been accomplished, but a bold solution is needed for transportation funding for Missouri.

Director Kevin Keith highlighted several major accomplishments to the Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight today, but emphasized that we're only spending about half of what we should on needed transportation projects, due to lack of funding.

While receiving awards for the innovative Diverging Diamond Interchange in Springfield and with traffic fatalities at their lowest since 1949, there is much to be proud of. Projects also continue to be completed on time and under budget -- by more than 15 percent. And despite the limited projects we're able to do, 86 percent of roads are in condition.

Unfortunately, our successes are limited by funding concerns. We're spending about half of what we should on transportation infrastructure. This means less projects, less improvements, and fewer jobs.

Our goals moving forward are simple: We'll do our best with the resources we have. We'll keep the system in as good of a condition as we can for as long as we can. We'll work to keep travelers and employees safe and continue to provide excellent customer service.

Take the Right Steps

2011-11-14T12:44:00.001-06:00

Take the right steps to stay safe when you're walking!

Pedestrian fatalities have been increasing in Missouri. MoDOT is launching an effort to reduce these fatalities and encourage pedestrians to be safe, be seen and Arrive Alive.

Whether you're out for a stroll or your car breaks down, you may find yourself near a busy road. Here are some important steps you can take to be safe.

Be Safe. Be Seen. Arrive Alive.

Obey signs and signals.
Walk, don’t run.
Use sidewalks. If you must walk in the street, walk single file, facing traffic and stay close to the edge of the road.
Cross streets only at intersections or crosswalks.
Don’t assume drivers will stop for you. Unless you are in a crosswalk, the driver usually has the right of way.
Lighten up at night. Wear white or light colors, reflective strips and carry a flashlight.

For more information, visit www.saveMOlives.com.

How to Save a Life

2011-11-08T09:23:00.000-06:00

We are so glad Missouri teen Heidi Turner took the few seconds to buckle up. As her car slid on a rainy day and rolled two times, the seat belt kept her in place. When all other items in the car flew out the window, she didn't.

Heidi now knows how to save a life, just by clicking a simple seat belt.
Read the full story here.

If you don't buckle up for yourself, do it for your family. Do it for someone who loves you. This is why:

Heidi landed upside down and was able to crawl out the window to safety, thanks to her seat belt.

The seat belt made sure that the only passenger casualties were Heidi's purse and backpack.

ABDUCTED! - Again! The Adventures of Barrel Bob Continue

2011-11-04T08:29:00.004-05:00

It was a strange morning for the officer who had to write this incident report.

In the wee hours of October 29, MoDOT’s work zone protector and spokesbarrel extraordinaire, Barrel Bob, was abducted from his post on US 54 near the Lake of the Ozarks and forced to car surf atop a PT Cruiser.

Luckily, the Osage Beach police were on the job. They liberated the 11-foot tall safety mascot from the back bedroom of a Lake area condo.

Bob had sustained damage to his head and the amputation of his lower legs, but skilled technicians in MoDOT’s Jefferson City shop performed the plastic surgery necessary to bring Bob back to his glory.

Bob’s Facebook fans were shocked by the news, but began teasing him about being taken away by two female barrelnappers. Bob, however, only has eyes for his female counterpart, Barrel Betty, who works for MoDOT in the Kansas City region.

It wasn't Bob's first abduction. Last year, after several days missing from his job site, his dismembered body was found in a field in western Missouri. Those perpetrators were not identified, but those involved in the Osage Beach incident were identified and might face charges.

When the healing process is complete, Bob will return to his work, alerting drivers to pay attention and drive carefully in work zones. Follow his adventures on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MOBarrelBob.

MoDOT Minute

2011-11-03T16:18:00.001-05:00

MoDOT's top news to you in 60 seconds!

Not a Trick

2011-10-31T14:52:00.003-05:00

Bob's story is not a trick, but it's sure a treat for us to have him back!

He had quite an adventure over the last few days, but we'll let him tell the story from his facebook page:

"Where does Barrel Bob go for repair? The plastic surgeon, of course!
I had quite the weekend and have to take some sick leave from my post on US 54 near Lake of the Ozarks.
Early Saturday morning, I was abducted and forced to carsurf atop a PT Cruiser. It was the second most terrifying experience of my life – and I stand in WORK ZONES, people!
Luckily, the Osage Beach police were on the job and liberated me from the back bedroom of my abductor’s condo. Any photos that might find their way to the Interwebs were taken under duress and my strenuous objection…especially those taken from the left. Everyone knows that the right is my good side."

Bob, we're so glad you're back!

Halloween Buzz

2011-10-28T15:00:00.000-05:00

A new smartphone app, Show Me My Buzz, can help you arrive home safely after your Halloween parties this weekend.

The app helps you calculate your estimated blood alcohol concentration, based on your gender and the amount of drinks consumed. Best of all, the app puts you in touch with a nearby cab company quickly and easily. Just make sure the cabby's zombie costume is actually a costume!

Download the app for your iPhone or Android today, and you're on your way to a weekend of spooktacular fun!

A Halloween Treat

2011-10-27T10:23:00.002-05:00

Use Your Head. Designate a Sober Driver.

Trick or Treat! My children are ridiculously excited for Halloween and have been counting down the days for weeks. They can't wait to get the treats in store, and I'm ready to sneak a few of their peanut butter cups myself.

For adults, Halloween fun can take a different turn. If ghoulish punch is on tap, avoid the unwelcome horror of a traffic crash. Plan a designated driver, and keep them well-stocked with fun-sized Skittles and root beer.

For those Halloween heroes who drive sober, heads up -- slow down and pay special attention to the little goblins, princesses and Transformers running about. If they're as excited as my little ones are, their minds are solely focused on Snickers and Tootsie Rolls -- not watching out for traffic.

With a little planning, Halloween can be full of treats for every age and celebration.

Smog Running Scared

2011-10-26T15:32:00.000-05:00

Beginning this week, St. Louis smog is running scared - not because of Halloween tricks, but due to some very hungry new concrete.

On Monday , a new smog-eating concrete was poured in St. Louis. It's being tested on a 1500-foot stretch of the new Route 141.

The concrete contains an additive that absorbs smog, uses sunlight to break it down and releases it as nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

Find more pictures on the MoDOT St. Louis's facebook page. Follow the page to watch for more pictures and the results!

Your Focus Could Be Rewarded

2011-10-24T16:21:00.000-05:00

Focusing on your driving rewards you in many ways. Besides avoiding a costly ticket, it's your ticket to arrive alive, safe and sound.

Right now, you could also be rewarded with a new Ford Focus.

The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety has teamed up with KRCG-TV and Joe Machens Ford to sponsor "Focus on the Road" which includes a chance to win a new 2012 Ford Focus.

To enter, visit the "Focus on the Road MO" fan page on Facebook before midnight on Dec. 14. The drawing is open to all licensed Missouri drivers. The winner will be announced Monday, Dec. 19 when 13 finalists will try their key in the new car to find the winner.

No matter who wins the car, paying attention while you drive will help make sure you're around to have a safe and happy holiday season.

Home Stretch

2011-10-21T16:12:00.003-05:00

MoDOT's Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program has entered the home stretch on its way to replacing or repairing more than 800 of the state's worst bridges. Last night, the 600^th new bridge opened on Route H in DeKalb County. With 58 bridges still under construction, and about 20 more projects yet to start in 2011, by the end of the year just more than 120 bridges will remain to be built in 2012.

So far this year, 226 new bridges have been constructed by MoDOT's design-build contractor, KTU Constructors, and 41 other bridges have been rehabilitated. KTU has reopened 226 new bridges in the last 216 days.

On the Right Track

2011-10-21T11:00:00.000-05:00

You can help put the future of Missouri rail on the right track!

MoDOT has already begun hosting public meetings to get your input on the movement of goods and people in the state by rail. A recent meeting in the Northeast district brought great feedback that will be used to help develop MoDOT's Statewide Rail Plan.

The Rail Plan guides the development of both freight and passenger rail service for the state for the next 20 years. Don't miss your chance to help shape the future of Missouri rail service!

Upcoming meetings:

The Central District meeting will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 25, at East Elementary School, 1229 East McCarty Street in Jefferson City, Missouri.

The St. Louis District meeting will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 26, at the Kirkwood Amtrak Train Station at 110 West Argonne Drive in Kirkwood, Missouri.

The Southeast District meeting will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, at Osage Community Center, 1625 North Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

The Northwest District meeting will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1, at MoDOT NW District Office at 3602 North Belt Hwy in St. Joseph, Missouri.

The Kansas City District meeting will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 2, at Sermon Center North Room at 201 N. Dodgion Avenue in Independence, Missouri.

The Southwest District meeting will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, November 3, at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce at 202 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway in Springfield, Missouri.

If these are not in your area, you can still be a part! MoDOT is hosting an online public meeting from Oct. 18-Nov. 18 at www.morail.org. At the online meeting, you have the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments.

They're Watching You

2011-10-19T16:25:00.000-05:00

This week is National Teen Driver Safety Week. Teen driving is a top concern for safety officials, especially when you consider that traffic crashes remain the number one cause of death for this age group.

Reaching teens with messages about buckling up, putting down the cell phone and focusing while friends are in the car are certainly important. But there's one other source that can really make a difference with teen driving: you.

If you're a parent, you will face (if you haven't already) that moment when your child asks why you took your hands off the wheel, or why you made some choice comments to the driver ahead of you.

Teens and children are watching.

An article this week in USA Today this week points out that many parents admit to being distracted by phones or devices, even while they're teaching their children to drive.

During Teen Driver Safety Week, it's a good idea for us all to think about how we can encourage safe driving for teens. It's an even better idea to model it for them each day.

Play Nice!

2011-10-17T11:32:00.001-05:00

Remember the game Red Rover? You know, when two teams would form on the playground and one team would call out, “Red Rover, Red Rover, send Wanda on over!” and Wanda would take off running, trying to choose a point where she thought she could break through the line of hand-holding opponents.

If you wanted your team to win, you never tried to run between Greg and Eric. It’s not that they were mean. It was because even by third-grade standards, those guys were big. There’s no way you’d take them on if you wanted to avoid a bruise.

I think of Greg and Eric when I drive my car near a commercial truck. Like them, truck drivers are mostly gentle giants. Still, I will always choose to respect that size and adapt my driving strategy so I’m more visible to the driver and less likely to cause them any concern.

That’s the point of Operation Safe Driver Week – October 16-22 – drivers of big trucks and passenger vehicles respecting each other, paying attention and avoiding unsafe behavior that could result in a crash.

And Eric, if you are still driving that gas tanker, just put on the blinker and come on over. Just like back then, I’m not going to try and stop you!

On the Rise

2011-10-14T10:24:00.000-05:00

River Runner Ridership is on the Rise - say it five times fast!

More and more customers are choosing to use Amtrak's Missouri River Runner for their travels. Service is up 8.5 percent in September compared to September 2010, and their on-time performance rate is at 90 percent.

Amtrak chose St. Louis to celebrate another milestone. Yesterday, they honored a St. Louis customer with a 30-day pass on Amtrak's service to celebrate the 30 million passengers that have chosen Amtrak in FY2011.

So, have you chosen the Missouri River Runner lately? Tell us about your trip!

Filling the Beast

2011-10-13T14:39:00.000-05:00

Youcan now go behind the scenes via YouTube or an online streaming video feed and watchas crews work to fill the “Beast,” a large scour hole on U.S. Highway 136 inAtchison County. At 480 feet long and 65 feet deep, the Beast is longer than the Statue ofLiberty at 305 feet tall, longer than a football field at 360 feet, but notquite as big as the St. Louis Arch which is 630 feet tall.

This is the second project to restore access on U.S.Highway 136. It includes filling the last and largest of four gaps in thepavement. The three other gaps were filled during a previous project. All four areaswill receive temporary pavement to make the surface drivable this winter. Thetarget completion for this project is Nov. 28, with permanent paving installednext spring.

The Northwest MissouriFlooding Information page, www.modot.org/northwest/flooding.htm,providesweekly flooding updates for Northwest Missouri, the latest news releases, linksfor detours and the MoDOT traveler information map, as well as photos andvideos.

Taking Extra Steps

2011-10-07T15:36:00.001-05:00

104 miles. That is the distance a MoDOT employee and his wife will walk on the Katy Trail from St. Charles to Jefferson City for five days. They are making this journey to raise money towards the construction of a Fallen Workers Memorial in Jefferson City.

MoDOT Weldon Spring Maintenance Crew Leader Jim Feeney, and his wife, Theo, left this morning from St. Charles. The walk will end on Tuesday, Oct. 11, in Jefferson City.

The memorial will honor MoDOT employees who have been killed in the line of duty. It will be totally funded by private donations.

Anyone wishing to make a contribution to the memorial fund can make a check payable to State Highway & Transportation Employees Association of Missouri and mail it to: Fallen Workers Memorial, Attn: Dave B. Taylor, 3929 East 7th St., Joplin, Mo., 64801.

Me Want Smog!

2011-10-07T15:16:00.000-05:00

Nom, nom, nom ... this concrete doesn't care much for cookies, but can't resist a nice batch of smog.
MoDOT and contractor Fred Weber Inc., will test a new type of concrete on a section of Route 141 in St. Louis this month.

A new additive which breaks down smog will be added to the stretch. The additive absorbs smog, uses sunlight to break it down and releases it as nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

Stay tuned for the result!

Bolder Direction

2011-10-06T13:24:00.002-05:00

MoDOT’s plan to reduce staffing, facilities and equipment has resulted in $177 million being redirected to critical road and bridge projects in Missouri. As of Sept. 30, the department had eliminated 667 staff positions, closed 23 facilities and disposed of 245 pieces of equipment under its Bolder Five-Year Direction.

Those moves have allowed the department to save $177 million. More than $64 million of that money has been used to improve the state’s rural roads.

As part of the plan, MoDOT has strategically placed engineers throughout the state to serve as community contacts for their respective areas. Find them here:

Are You Walking Yet?

2011-10-05T14:48:00.002-05:00

Today is International Walk to School Day. It's a great opportunity to reflect how you can incorporate more exercise into the day for your family, as well as how you can reduce congestion around schools and help your community's environment.

If you missed walking or bicycling this morning, don't give up! October is Walk to School Month, so there's still plenty of time to celebrate. Need an extra incentive besides the gorgeous fall weather? The Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation has included a Walk/Bike to School Savings Calculator on their blog to help you determine the money your choices can save.

To join others in the fun, visit www.walktoschool.org to find an event specific to your community.
So what are you waiting for? Hit the road (or sidewalk).

Weigh In

2011-10-03T15:23:00.001-05:00

Roads & Bridges magazine is asking a question on their most recent poll that is likely to provoke some strong feelings:

Should truck drivers have shorter hours and on-time duty? FMCSA says yes, and Washington says no.

What's your take? Visit www.roadsbridges.com to weigh in.

Fall Color Update

2011-09-30T13:37:00.000-05:00

As the weather cools, it looks like Missourians are in for some beautiful fall drives.

The Missouri Department of Conservation has put out a report on the color you can expect to see in your area. Those of you in the Ozark area are in for a special treat this season.

So where will you head? What are your favorite fall drives in Missouri? No matter where you travel, be sure to stay alert, buckle up and Arrive Alive.

Hungry Bugs

2011-09-28T13:48:00.000-05:00

They are tiny, tireless, hungry, and environmentallyfriendly – except to one invasive weed.

They’re calledseedhead weevils, and the Missouri departments of Transportation and Conservation,along with the University of Missouri – Extension, are using them to helpcontrol Missouri's newest noxious weed – spotted knapweed. The weevils, Larinus minutus and Larinus obtusus or"Larrys" as some researchers like to call them, are small, flying,dark brown or gray bugs with a long snout. They can spread throughout a knapweed patch in a few years.

"Knapweedinfestations occur in poor soils along rock cuts and steep slopes, and the weedproduces an herbicide within its roots that kills nearby plants," explainedMoDOT Roadside Manager Chris Shulse.

This noxious weedresembles the garden flower called bachelor’s buttons. Although pretty, ifknapweed is not controlled, it can spread onto private lawns and pastures,where it significantly reduces the available forage. Knapweed is hard toeliminate with herbicides alone because it grows in difficult to reach areas,often extending beyond the roadside onto private property.

MoDOT beganto release the weevils on roadsides in southern Missouri in 2008 and innortheast Missouri in 2009. They are typically released in July when knapweedis in bloom so the females can lay eggs on the flowers. When the eggs hatch,the larvae go to work, eating the flower and seeds, reducing the plant’sability to reproduce. A single larva can eat every seed in a flower.

A secondknapweed-controlling weevil, the root-boring Cyphocleonus achates, or “Cy” is larger and doesn’t fly well. Itscolor helps it blend into rocky ground. These insects are released in August,when females lay eggs on young knapweed plants. The larvae burrow into theroots, causing the plant to die within a few years. Researchers documentedreductions as high as 99 percent in knapweed patches where “Cy” took upresidence.

In addition to the2009 release, MoDOT introduced the hungry bugs to infested areas last month.

“Although it will take a few years for the weevil populations toincrease enough to make a difference, our tiny partners will no doubt play animportant role in suppressing knapweed,” Shulse said.

MoDOT Minute

2011-09-28T09:43:00.000-05:00

Your MoDOT Minute for this week discusses repairs to damaged roads in Northwest Missouri due to flooding, as well as results from the The HEAT Is On campaign:

The Three E's

2011-09-27T15:38:00.000-05:00

Engineering ...
Enforcement ...
Education ...

These three things are used successfully by the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety to keep traffic fatality levels at a level not seen since 1950. Today, the Governor's Highway Safety Association recognized MoDOT as a leader in that success.

MoDOT received the Peter K. O'Rourke Special Achievement Award for spearheading the safety coalition that has realized a decrease in traffic fatalities and disabling injuries for the past five years. Traffic fatalities in Missouri have decreased by 35 percent since 2005 and the trend continues downward. To date in 2011, traffic fatalities are down by 11 percent.

For more information on how MoDOT has worked to improve highway safety in Missouri, visit www.savemolives.com.

Car Seat Check Saturday

2011-09-24T08:30:00.000-05:00

It's National Car Seat Check Saturday! Check www.savemolives.com today for a list of where you can have your car seat checked by a certified technician.

Three out of four seats are not installed correctly -- make sure the seat carrying your most precious cargo is not one of them.

Flood of 2011

2011-09-23T15:38:00.002-05:00

The Flood of 2011 has been like nothing any other Missouri River states have ever experienced. Unlike other historic floods which rose and fell within weeks, this time the water flowed continuously over -- and in many cases under -- the Northwest and Kansas City Area Districts' highways for months. Entire sections of shoulder, pavement and foundation washed away in some areas.

Now, we're working to get flooded routes open as quickly and safely as possible by the end of 2011.

One of the first big steps began Wednesday with the start of emergency contract repairs in Atchison County on Route 136. This is the first of a two-phase project that will be necessary to restore access completely across Route 136 where four large gaps exist. Three of the gaps should be fixed by October 15. The fourth gap is a 600-foot scour hole, but damages cannot be assessed until waters recede.

"We are committed to doing everything possible to get these roads opened as quickly and safely as possible for Missourians," said Don Wichern, MoDOT's Northwest District engineer. "In some areas we are still waiting for waters to recede, but we are spending every available minute planning how to repair and reopen these roads so we can all move forward."

2011-09-19T15:58:00.001-05:00

Would you let your child ride on the top of your car? Not likely. And yet so many parents allow children to ride inside a car without being safely buckled -- and many of them may not even know it.

Three out of four car seats are installed incorrectly. How confident are you about yours?

This week is National Child Passenger Safety Week. It's a perfect time to take a moment and get your seat checked. Find a technician near you in Missouri.

Or, visit one of the events held this Saturday for Car Seat Check Saturday.

Taking a few moments to make sure your seat is installed correctly could be life-saving for your most precious cargo.

Can You Do Better?

2011-09-16T12:04:00.003-05:00

Hey high school students! Check out this video working to convince teens to buckle up. It won last year's Battle of the Belt Challenge.

Think you can do better? Show us! Sign up today for the Battle of the Belt Challenge for this fall and put your cinematic skills to work. Who knows? There's more than prizes at stake -- if your video convinces a friend to buckle up, you may save a life.

Make it click by clicking here!

Sept. 11-17 is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

2011-09-14T09:25:00.003-05:00

Look around. Really. Turn away from the screen for a minute and look around the room.

Chances are, the vast majority of items you see were hauled by truck at some point. Flooring, concrete, mail, paint, furniture, light bulbs, clothing, chairs, pens and snacks – it sat behind a truck driver.

Truckers drive 400 billion miles a year in the United States. Most of the time, you never notice them. That’s actually the goal. If you don’t notice them, it’s because the driver is operating safely and courteously.

If you are lucky enough to know a professional driver, ask them about the challenges and joys of the job. There are plenty of both. And no one spins a story quite like a truck driver.

So if you have the chance this week, wave or smile to thank the truck drivers you see. Everyone likes acknowledgement for good work.

Safest Driving Cities

2011-09-09T08:30:00.000-05:00

Springfield, Mo., is one of the safest cities in the nation for drivers.

The Allstate Insurance Company released their 7th annual Allstate America's Best Drivers Report. It ranks the nation's 200 largest cities in terms of car collision frequency to identify which cities have the safest drivers.

Springfield ranks seventh, with the average driver going 12 years without collisions.

Springfield has completed several major projects that help keep traffic moving smoothly. The nation's first diverging diamond interchange opened in 2009, with a second opening in July 2010. The award-winning, innovative design helps relieve congestion in a tight area, keeping drivers safer.

This week, Springfield opened the first six-lane highway in southern Missouri on Route 65. The project added a lane in each direction in the median, with a 7-foot-wide median shoulder and a concrete barrier separating the northbound and southbound sides. These improvements will keep traffic moving and motorists even safer.

Based on your travels in the state, which city would you say had the best or worst drivers?

Are We There Yet?

2011-09-08T11:20:00.000-05:00

A recent survey of Missouri motorists shows that more Missourians are buckling up - that's great news!

But are we where we need to be?

The national average for seat belt use is 85 percent -- even with the recent three-percent jump in Missouri, we're still at 79 percent. How comfortable are we to know that 21 percent of motorists in our state face ejection from their vehicle if a traffic crash occurs?

Some vehicle types stand out when looking at seat belt use. For example, pickup truck drivers are among the worst with only 66 percent buckling up. Considering those rockin' trucks also have an affinity to roll, that makes quite a bumpy ride (or flight) for that unrestrained driver.

MoDOT continues to support the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety to support seat belt use and work to make sure everyone makes it click when they hit the road. A primary seat belt law would likely raise our percentage and save lives - 32 states already have this.

In the meantime, make sure you and your passengers are buckled every trip, every time. Learn more about seat belt safety in Missouri at www.savemolives.com.

New and Improved

2011-09-07T12:33:00.000-05:00

On Friday, children, families and teachers in Bevier celebrated a safer walk to school.

Through the Safe Routes to School program, the City of Bevier was able to construct needed sidewalks to keep students from walking in the street to get to school. This is a tremendous improvement in safety for these students.

The purpose of the Safe Routes to School program is to enable and encourage more children to walk and bike to school across Missouri. Why is this important? Besides reduced traffic around schools and a healthier lifestyle for the children, the students list one more important reason: it's fun!

Learn more about how Safe Routes to School can get your community moving!

Walking to school can be fun for both students and families!

Bevier now has a safer, more appealing way to get to school.

Livable Streets

2011-09-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

In August, 2011 MoDOT in Kansas City hosted the Livable Streets Design Workshop led by nationally known expert Bruce Landis.

OnAug. 25, architects, engineers and planners from MoDOT and communities acrossthe Kansas City District sat down as one transportation group to talk aboutwhat it means to build Livable Streets at the Best Practices in BicyclePedestrian Design workshop.

Acrossthe country, more communities recognize that drivers are not the only type oftransportation, and in fact, more citizens request the safe sidewalks, bikeroutes and transit options that fit their lifestyle.

InMay, the Missouri House of Representatives passed the Complete StreetsResolution, urging cities, communities and state transportation to considerbikers, pedestrians and transit users whenever they planned transportationprojects. The Best Practices in Bicycle Pedestrian Design workshop, hosted inpartnership with MU Extension, focused on just that -- making streets thataccommodate any mode of transportation.

Theall-day workshop featured internationally known Bicycle and Pedestrian Plannerand Engineer Bruce Landis. His presentation included strategies to makeneighborhoods, retail districts and other community settings more walkable,bikable and accessible to all.

“Thisprogram was designed to let planners look at a street objectively and see,based on what is going on in the roadway environment, exactly how to design alivable street,” said Landis.

Oneof the things discussed was what makes a street more livable? It could be assimple as sidewalks and crosswalks. But planners also consider wheelchairramps, bicycle paths, mixed-use paths that may host joggers and dog walkersalike, bus stops, or even paved shoulders in a rural area.

Severallocations joined the workshop via webinar, including Jefferson City, St. LouisDistrict Office, Northeast District, Southeast District Office, NorthwestDistrict Office, Southwest District Office and Macon.

Troubled Waters

2011-09-01T15:45:00.000-05:00

Find flooding detour information at www.modot.org/flooding.

Flooding and detours continue in Northwest Missouri. Eleven weeks after Interstate 29 first closed, it still remains closed at Rock Port.

The four states affected by long-term flooding continue to work together to route travelers around the high water. Missouri has partnered with Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska to create a regional detour that can be found on MoDOT's website at www.modot.org/flooding. It also provides information on the latest road closures with a link to the Traveler Information Map.

It will take time to get these roads back in shape, but MoDOT monitors the roads as water recedes to assess damage and begin repairs.

If these routes are part of your holiday weekend travels, be sure to check the detours before you go. And play it safe! Drive sober, buckle up and slow down.

MoDOT Minute

2011-08-31T15:23:00.000-05:00

How much are this year's natural disasters costing Missouri? Find out in this week's MoDOT Minute - your transportation news in 60 seconds!

Good for LYF

2011-08-30T13:02:00.000-05:00

We found out about an app this week that may help combat texting while driving.

The LYF app rewards you for making the decision to stay safe and focus on your driving. LYF stands for Love Your Family.

The application tracks the use of your phone when your vehicle is moving more than 15 miles per hour. If the phone is in idle status during that time, the owner receive points.

Find out more at www.goodforlyf.com. In the meantime, stay alert and focused when you're behind the wheel!

A Year to Remember

2011-08-25T16:03:00.000-05:00

Mother Nature has pummeled Missouri with four unprecedented weather events this year! Listen as Assistant Chief Engineer Don Hillis gets "To the Point" about the monetary damages to Missouri's transportation system caused by this spring and summer's flooding and the Joplin tornado. Learn how these disasters will impact our construction program.

Gotta Get a Gator Getter!

2011-08-24T08:34:00.002-05:00

You've seen it before: The slow moving truck with a large flashing arrow pushing you into the next lane. The laborious progression as crews hop from the truck to retrieve the random tire tread, couch cushions, laundry basket, branches or the hapless deer who crossed too soon. It's the debris removal crew snaking through the city, keeping MoDOT routes safe. Now we're testing a new tool that could make that process faster and safer.

It's the Gator Getter!

Custom built to fit MoDOT's larger truck, this innovative machine scoops up trash while the vehicle travels with traffic at a comfortable 45 to 50 mph. There are only four in existence, and this is the only one in the U.S.

Because the Gator Getter operates in the midst of traffic, MoDOT no longer has to provide traffic control or close a lane while removing debris from the highway. That means fewer delays for motorists and safer conditions for workers.

If only I could get a smaller version for my living room!

During the testing phase, MoDOT crews are offering feedback to the company to make the product stronger and more versatile to handle the array of trash types and sizes. The next version will likely have a different style of blade and heavier body.

MoDOT crews pick up debris year-round, which can range from general car trash to pieces of furniture. One of the most common items - tires and tread - is actually separated and turned over to Missouri Vocational Enterprises so it can be shredded and reused as tire-derived fuel for power plants.

Find more details about this innovation below and watch the Gator Getter in action!

What's The Buzz?

2011-08-22T15:16:00.002-05:00

Wondering if you can handle your drive home after a drink with some friends? There's an app for that.

The Show Me My Buzz app is available for download and lets you calculate your blood alchohol level before you decide to get behind the wheel. It's available now in the Android market and will be available through the iPhone app store soon.

“Show Me My Buzz” allows users to calculate their BAC based on how may drinks they have consumed, how long they have been drinking and their gender. It will even provide the phone number of a local cab company with just a tap of the screen.

The BAC calculator is only a guide that estimates averages. Alcohol affects everyone differently. Influencing factors include food consumption, medication, health and psychological conditions. The best plan is to always designate a sober driver. A sober driver is someone who has not had anything to drink.

In 2010, 207 people were killed and 831 seriously injured in crashes involving a drunk driver.

Download today and let us know your thoughts!

Disclaimer: This blood alcohol concentration (BAC) calculator is only an estimate and is not sufficiently accurate to be considered legal evidence. The calculations are averages. Individuals may vary in their personal alcohol tolerance. Food in the stomach, medications, health and psychological conditions are influencing factors. Many establishments that serve alcohol serve portions larger than the standard drink size.

MoDOT Minute

2011-08-18T16:03:00.000-05:00

Grab the latest Missouri transportation news, in 60 seconds!

Hybrid Composite Beams

2011-08-15T13:30:00.002-05:00

If it works for boats, why not for bridges?

As part of its Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program, MoDOT received a $1 million federal "Highways for Life" grant to utilize hybrid composite beams on three bridge projects -- in Douglas, Shannon and Dade Counties. These innovative structural elements are much lighter than conventional steel or concrete beams, which make them easier to transport and install. The exterior of HCBs is fiberglass, materials also used to construct boats and sulfuric acid storage tanks. The fiberglass makes them more resistant to water and chlorides, and therefore longer lasting.

Check out some photos and the video below that explains this technology. Happy Sailing!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/modot/sets/72157627384391038/

Save the date for Livable Streets Workshop

2011-08-12T10:37:00.009-05:00

A few years ago, I traveled to Minneapolis for a work-related meeting. Venturing out to find a restaurant and explore the area around my hotel, I was quickly impressed to see dedicated bicycle lanes on their busy downtown streets.

Back at home, Jefferson City now has better options for walkers and peddlers with the new pedestrian/bicycle attachment to the Missouri River bridge. It gives bikers and walkers a safer connection between downtown and the Katy Trail – now noted as the best bike trail in the Midwest!

If you are interested in making your community more accessible to those who prefer to walk or ride a bicycle to work or shopping or just for fun and exercise, then you won’t want to miss the Best Practices in Bicycle Pedestrian Design workshop MoDOT is hosting in partnership with MU Extension later this month.

The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on August 25 and will feature nationally known Bicycle and Pedestrian Planner and Engineer Bruce Landis. His presentation will focus on strategies for transportation designers that make neighborhoods, retail districts and other community settings more walkable, bikable and accessible to all. If you are a planner, architect or engineer attending the workshop, you can even earn continuing professional education credits.

The workshop will be broadcast in a webinar fashion from a live presentation at MoDOT’s Kansas City District Office at 600 N.E. Colbern Rd., Lee’s Summit. It will be simultaneously televised for public attendance at seven additional MoDOT locations including Jefferson City, Chesterfield, Hannibal, Sikeston, St. Joseph, Springfield and Macon (see news release for physical addresses).

Registration is required and will cost $25, with a reduced registration of $10 for students. Lunch is included. Click here for more information or to register online.

Secret Word Facebook Contest

2011-08-11T15:56:00.001-05:00

The Missouri State Fair has begun! MoDOT hopes to see you at the Transportation Exposition Center and Highway Gardens this year, and we'll have a contest running to encourage you to join in the fun.

Beginning on Saturday, August 13, check our facebook page anytime after 9 a.m. We will post a secret word. If you're at the fair that day, find a MoDOT staffer at the Highway Gardens who is wearing a Hawaiian lei. The first person to tell that MoDOT staffer the secret word will win!

The contest runs on five days - August 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21. Some of the days will have multiple prizes -- those who share the secret word first get their pick, the others pick from what's available.

So check our facebook page, beginning Saturday!! A list of prizes is included in our rules, and includes tickets to the sold-out Jason Aldean concert, Luke Bryan, Carnival of Madness, the Truck & Tractor Pull and the Demolition Derby.

Don't miss the fun! We'll see you at the fair!

500 Bridges, Safe & Sound!

2011-08-10T08:55:00.000-05:00

One year ago, we were celebrating the completion of the 200th bridge constructed under the Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program.

Yesterday, that number climbed to 500. Before the program is complete by the end of 2012, more than 800 bridges across Missouri will be rehabilitated or replaced.

We're more than halfway there! Better yet, the average closure of bridges across the state has been about 40 days -- that's half the time a typical bridge replacement takes.

Project of the Year

2011-08-08T14:10:00.002-05:00

The nation's first diverging-diamond interchange in Springfield has been named a Public Works Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association.

The interchange has been receiving widespread attention since it was completed in 2009. This type of interchange was first used in France, and has been shown to increase capacity, decrease congestion and minimize the cost of new infrastructure.

More diverging diamond interchanges are happening in Missouri, including a second interchange in Springfield, as well as projects in Kansas City, St. Louis and mid-Missouri.

If you're wondering just exactly how they work, watch below. Driven through one already? Let us know what you think!

All aboard for the Missouri State Fair

2011-08-05T13:57:00.004-05:00

In years past, my family and I have attended the Missouri State Fair. The trip there is always filled with anticipation for the fun we will have. But, after a long day of walking the fairgrounds in the sun, looking at exhibits, riding rides and tasting interesting fair foods, no one feels like driving home.

There is a simple solution – the Amtrak Missouri River Runner!

Amtrak runs between St. Louis and Kansas City with morning and evening stops in Sedalia by eastbound and westbound trains every day. If you don’t live in one of the metro areas, you can catch the train in Lee’s Summit, Independence, Warrensburg, Jefferson City, Hermann, Washington and Kirkwood.

By leaving the driving to the River Runner conductor, you can sit back and relax in a big comfortable seat, read the paper, catch up with the kids and even enjoy a snack from the dining car on your way there.

Plus, when you arrive you won’t have to worry about parking. A city bus is available to take fairgoers from Sedalia’s newly remodeled station to near the fair’s main gates for just $1.25.

Once you get inside the gates, stop by MoDOT’s Highway Gardens and visit the Amtrak table. You can enter to win Missouri River Runner tickets for another tranquil trip!

So, come on out to the State Fair on August 11 – 21. This year, it’s a Show-Me Thing! Let Amtrak Missouri River Runner show you a great way to get to Sedalia.

Check Amtrak schedules and fares, visit www.amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL.

Enter the Barrel Bob State Fair Contest

2011-08-04T15:06:00.004-05:00

If you were hoping to see an eleven-foot-tall barrel man at the Missouri State Fair this year, look no further than the MoDOT Highway Gardens. He will be the orange-and-white striped figure towering over all of us reminding you to slow down and pay attention in work zones.

Barrel Bob wants to make sure you don't get lost on the way to visit him at the Missouri State Fair, so he's giving you an opportunity to win a Garmin nuvi donated by WHHL/Hot 104.1.

Fashion a likeness of Barrel Bob in any medium. Draw a picture, sculpt him from macaroni, paint him, it doesn't matter! Upload your photo to his Facebook page, and you will be entered to win the GPS. You have until his official debut at the State Fair on Aug. 11 to enter. Check out the official rules here.

Ready, set, DRAW!

Bottleneck Be Gone

2011-08-02T15:41:00.010-05:00

By definition, a bottleneck is something that halts free movement and progress. While it may not be a term we like to see associated with any mode of travel, bottlenecks still do exist on Missouri's main passenger rail corridor.

The good news is that MoDOT, Union Pacific, Amtrak and other partners are working together to eliminate these trouble spots.

In accordance with this goal, MoDOT recently signed a service agreement with Union Pacific Railroad that will allow work to begin on Missouri’s first rail infrastructure project funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – a second rail bridge over the Osage River.

The project will eliminate the last bottleneck on the eastern segment of the St. Louis to Kansas City rail corridor that sometimes causes delays for freight and Amtrak trains between Jefferson City and St. Louis.

The agreement was made following extensive negotiations between MoDOT, UP, Governor Jay Nixon’s Office and several other agencies, including the Federal Railroad Administration.

Don’t look for dirt to start flying quite yet though. MoDOT and UP will need to develop the construction plan before work can begin. Construction is expected to begin this fall, but prolonged flooding could push the start date into the spring.

This project, along with others Missouri has received funding for, will continue to alleviate remaining bottlenecks that cause congestion on the state’s major rail corridor. In turn, these improvements will make rail transportation safer and more reliable with a greater capacity for delivering both passengers and freight.

Missouri Teen Battles Distracted Driving With Her Song

2011-08-02T13:23:00.001-05:00

Kori Caswell

A Missouri Teen has won second place in a national contest focused on stopping distracted drivers. Kori Caswell, 17, of Hannibal, shared a life-saving message in her song "On the Road, You Can Make Or Break Your Dreams" as part of the Ford Driving Skills for Life "Belt It Out" song contest.

Hear Kori's winning song and check out the other winners at www.drivingskillsforlife.com. She received a $3,000 savings bond as her prize.

The contest involved 520,000 public votes and final judging by Shawn Wilson, president of Usher's New Look Foundation. The public selected the five finalists on www.drivingskillsforlife.com, and Wilson chose the first, second and third-place winners.

Congratulations Kori!

Barrel Bob Praise

2011-07-28T08:00:00.002-05:00

Today we're sharing some Barrel Bob praise from the KC area. Want to show him some love? Visit Bob on facebook!

Missouri River Runner Restored to Full Service

2011-07-27T15:42:00.000-05:00

Amtrak will restore full service between Kansas City and St. Louis today. The Missouri River Runner will resume operating both daily intrastate round trips. The round-trip being restored is Train 311, the morning westbound train from St. Louis, and Train 316, the afternoon eastbound train from Kansas City.

Service was reduced to a single round-trip on July 2 due to the diversion of additional Union Pacific Railroad freight traffic from flooded tracks onto the Union Pacific route used by the Missouri River Runner trains west of Jefferson City.

New Commissioner

2011-07-25T14:52:00.000-05:00

Joseph Hunt of St. Louis was sworn in today as the newest member of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. Chief Justice Richard B. Teitelman administered the oath of office in a ceremony at the Civil Courts Building in St. Louis. Gov. Jay Nixon appointed Hunt to the commission post on June 30.

Hunt is the general president emeritus of the Ironworkers International and has served as an official in the building and construction trades for more than 40 years. He has served as a board member of the Lambert St. Louis International Airport Commission, as a member of the National Heavy and Highway Alliance, and on the regional committee of the National Infrastructure Alliance.

Hunt's term ends March 1, 2017. He replaces David Gach of St. Joseph, whose appointment expired in March.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission is a six-member citizens' panel that governs MoDOT. It can have no more than three members from any one political party. Hunt is a Democrat. Members are appointed to staggered six-year terms by the governor and must be confirmed by the senate.

Other members of the commission are Grace Nichols, St. Charles, chair; Rudy Farber, vice-chair; Neosho; Joe Carmichael, Springfield; Stephen Miller, Kansas City and Kenneth Suelthaus, St. Louis.

More People Are Riding the River Runner

2011-07-19T13:10:00.004-05:00

More and more people are riding the rails to their destinations. Ridership for Amtrak Missouri River Runner trains was up by 16 percent for the fiscal year ending June 30 – or an additional 25,811 passengers compared to the previous year. What’s behind the good news?

With gas prices higher than they were last year, and in constant fluctuation, more people are choosing the train for its convenience and because it is an economical way to travel. After all, a round trip adult ticket between St. Louis and Kansas City is as low as $56 and there is no early arrival required or getting stuck in traffic. You can even take your golf clubs or a bicycle along for a small fee.

With new infrastructure upgrades completed and others planned for the future, the train has become a more reliable way to go. Missouri River Runner trains reported an 89 percent on-time performance rate on average for FY ’11. (Note: Unfortunately, flooding has caused a disruption of one round-trip train across Missouri each day. Service is expected to be restored soon.)

The train is a friendly way to travel, too. In May, the Missouri service received a 97 percent satisfaction rate, the second best among state supported and other short distance corridors.

So, what are you waiting for? Get on board the Missouri River Runner for your next business trip or family vacation.

Secret Word Contest

2011-07-18T15:54:00.000-05:00

Beginning today and for the next four weeks, watch our facebook page for your chance to win tickets to the sold-out Jason Aldean concert at the Missouri State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 13!

We'll ask you to tell us the secret word each Monday (and we'll tell you how to find it) until the fair and randomly select a winner from the correct facebook responses.

You have until noon tomorrow (July 19) to enter for this week. Check out www.facebook.com/modotstatewide to see how Barrel Bob can help you win Jason Aldean tickets!

2011 State Fair Contest Rules

Adaptive Traffic Signals

2011-07-15T08:49:00.000-05:00

Don't you love that feeling when you're driving through a series of intersections and have to stop at each red light? We don't either.

Adaptive Traffic Signals to the rescue. This technology has been introduced in Lee's Summit, and drivers are loving it.

How does it work? The key component involves video cameras set up at each of the intersections, keeping track of vehicles and helping the system to think.

Congestion has been greatly reduced, and local law enforcement says there has been a reduction in traffic crashes and red-light running. Plus, savings in emissions and fuel consumption is a bonus for both the environment and your bank account.

Watch below to see exactly how these traffic signals are helping a community run more safely and with less headaches.

A New Day in Transportation

2011-07-14T09:37:00.000-05:00

Sunrise on Route 87

A new state five-year highway construction program was approved yesterday by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission -- or, at least, half of one.

The new program is only half the size of recent years, at $600 million. That sounds like a great deal of money to many of us, but the average program has been $1.2 billion. With funding cut in half, Missourians will see a difference in the transportation upon which they depend.

"We'll continue to honor our commitments and maintain the condition of our roads and bridges to the best of our ability for as long as we can," said MoDOT Director Kevin Keith. "But without additional resources our system will eventually get worse."

We're focused on delivering commitments that have been promised, which means keeping major highways in good condition, improving smaller state roads and keeping up with bridge repairs and maintenance. We're cutting internal costs with our Bolder Five-Year Direction and putting all resources available to road and bridge maintenance.

Is that the answer? No. It's only a temporary fix. A long-term funding solution is needed in order to address economic development opportunities, deliver improvements or replace major bridges.

What funding solution would you support for Missouri?

MoDOT Hauls Out the Big Bags

2011-07-13T11:27:00.000-05:00

Now, that's a sandbag.

In my house, when I mention big bags, it usually is in reference to my lack of sleep, but here at the department Big Bags take on a whole new meaning.

With the recent flooding problems across the state, MoDOT is trying a new tool to keep water off the roads and motorists safe. Big Bags are large sand bags -- really large -- that unfold like an accordion to create a 15-foot long, 3-foot high by 3-foot wide storage compartment for sand. One system of Big Bags takes the place of 500 sand bags.

They were tested for the first time in the southeast area in the spring when flooding was a problem, and now they’re being used on the west side of Route 65 between Carrollton and Waverly for a two-mile stretch.

Remember playing with Legos? Well, these work much the same way. A chain of dumpster-sized bags can be attached, filled with sand and built upon to create floodwalls quickly and easily. The bags are made of tightly woven polypropylene with wooden frames screwed together. Each system weighs only 50 pounds when empty, but when deployed they are filled with 2,800 -3,500 pounds of sand, depending on its moisture content. The bags are filled with the help of a conveyer system created during their recent use in the southeast area.

MoDOT was has 480 systems available to use when needed. Check out pictures of these Big Bags on MoDOT's Flickr site or watch a video of the Big Bags getting placed along Route 65.

Modot Minute

2011-07-12T15:34:00.000-05:00

This week's MoDOT Minute shares how modot.org has been revamped to reflect the new seven-district structure and announces Michelle Teel as MoDOT's new Multimodal Director. Catch the MoDOT Minute each week for your latest transportation information!

How Do You Pour Concrete Under Water?

2011-07-07T14:26:00.001-05:00

Bridges have always amazed me. As someone who works with engineers but does not have that background, the process of constructing a bridge just seems incredible. My burning question has always been about how the foundation is built and holds strong. Really, how DO you pour concrete under water?

How do you pour concrete underwater?

My question has been answered, and with a neat little graphic to boot. The New Mississippi River Bridge project in St. Louis is offering a virtual tour that answers all of your questions about how these massive structures take shape. Don't miss the pictures of the coffer dam, where crews are able to work on the riverbed.

If you're in the St. Louis area, you can see these steps in person. On the last Friday of each month, schedule a tour where you can see the action up close. Check out the specifics here.

Light Up the Sky

2011-07-06T11:51:00.003-05:00

D5411_CM_03, a photo by MoDOT Photos on Flickr.

The new Christopher S. Bond Bridge in Kansas City took on a whole new light on July 3, and it became a real blast.

The bridge features a unique lighting system with a series of interconnected color-changing panels - 106 of them - able to display thousands of colors in a variety of patterns. There are nine lighting packages that can be used throughout the year to reflect the city's seasons, holiday and regional events.

The inaugural lighting debut kicked off just minutes before the fireworks extravaganza celebrating KCRiverFest over the Fourth of July holiday.

Don't miss the rest of these photos on Flickr!

State Agencies and Midwest DOTs Unite to Battle Flood

2011-07-05T12:34:00.001-05:00

The water is rising. Roads and interstates are disappearing beneath the widening banks of the Missouri River. Levees are holding, but nature will soon test their strength.

There is only so much you can do: pile up sandbags, reroute traffic, hope the levees hold.

And let people know what’s going on.

In fact -- at this stage of the fight -- information is your best defense. The more people know, the better they can react. To shore up this defense, MoDOT is sending out news releases, e-updates, Facebook announcements and blog postings to make sure we’re reaching as many people as possible.

And we are not alone in this task. In an unprecedented level of cooperation, Missouri has joined forces with three other state departments of transportation to unify our message and give travelers throughout the Midwest a heads up before they drive into a problem.

If you visit www.modot.org/flooding you will see not only Missouri flood information, but up-to-date reports from Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas. There is even a regional detour for travelers who are making their way cross country. Links to detours, news releases and flood predictions from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources are also included on the page.

The rising water pays no attention to our state borders. It doesn’t care if a traveler is from Iowa or Missouri or Nebraska or Kansas. We have to answer the threat with the same strategy. If Nebraska and Iowa DOTs can reach Missouri travelers before there’s a problem, they might save someone’s life. If we share our message with their travelers, maybe someone will pick it up before there’s trouble on the road.

MoDOT would like to thank our fellow DOTs -- and all the Missouri state agencies including SEMA, the National Guard, the Highway Patrol, DNR -- who are contributing to our fight against the flood.

The sandbags may hold the swelling banks at bay, but information is your first line of defense.

Happy Fourth of July!

2011-07-04T07:30:00.001-05:00

If you gotta go, go big. This explosive video is two years old, but makes just as big of a bang today.
Happy Fourth of July!

Minimizing Your Headaches

2011-06-30T13:45:00.004-05:00

You have enough to worry about this weekend. Between your children running around with lit sparklers, keeping enough snacks and sunscreen on hand for the family picnic or pool gathering, and the lines for leaving the fair after viewing the fireworks downtown, you'll likely need a holiday from your holiday when July 5th rolls around.

We're here to help as much as we can. From noon tomorrow until next Tuesday, MoDOT will limit the amount of work happening on the roads. It's a busy weekend for travelers and we don't want to keep you from your watermelon-eating contest at the fair any longer than necessary.

We can't completely remove the orange cones - you might run into limited construction and lane closures. But we can help there, too -- plan for those by visiting our Traveler Information Map.

Keeping you a bit less frazzled helps us all. Last year 13 people were killed on Missouri roads over the Independence Day holiday. We're asking you to stay safe over the weekend and follow these tips:

Buckle up - every trip, every time - safety belts save lives!
Don't drink and drive -- no question, it's just dangerous, no matter how little you've had to drink.
Slow down, pay attention and stay alert -- just like Barrel Bob says! You can check your cell phone later, and arriving alive is a crucial component of your fourth of July fun.

Have a wonderful Fourth of July!

Signal Crews

2011-06-29T13:07:00.001-05:00

Just a day on the job -- below are some great shots of signal crews working at Route F and Westminster in Fulton, Missouri. Find the full set here. I wonder how high it really seems up in that bucket!

Have you encountered a flashing yellow arrow yet?

Those signals sure don't look so big when you're driving, do they?

Timing truly is everything.

Over Troubled Waters

2011-06-28T13:31:00.000-05:00

This video takes you from St. Joseph to Forest City, Mo. via a Blackhawk helicopter. It gives you a true sense of the devastation caused by the record-setting floods along the Missouri River.

MoDOT is partnering with Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska to provide road closure and detour information to travelers. Visit www.modot.org/flooding for the four-state map, as well as a list of Missouri detours, flooding preparedness information and how to travel safely around any flooded areas you encounter.

Safe travels!

What Are Your Dreams?

2011-06-27T13:49:00.000-05:00

"On the Road, You Can Make or Break Your Dreams."

No doubt, dreams can end in an instant with distracted driving. But one teen in Hannibal is working to change that through a song.

Kori Caswell is one of 10 finalists in the Belt It Out contest, presented by Ford Motor Company through its Driving Skills for Life program. You're invited to vote for the top finalists. Visit drivingskillsforlife.com to vote for Kori today and to show your support for teens driving without distractions.

Distracted driving is the leading cause of traffic crashes in Missouri and nationwide.

Don't let your dreams be broken.

As Kori sings,

"Keep both hands on the wheel, face straight forward, and turn your cell phone off....on the road, you can make or break your dreams."

MoDOT Minute

2011-06-23T15:42:00.000-05:00

Don't miss this week's MoDOT Minute for information on keeping up with the rising water in Missouri and how you can beat the HEAT.

Summer Floods, What Can We Do?

2011-06-21T13:36:00.000-05:00

This week, Assistant Chief Engineer Don Hillis get to the point in our weekly podcast about what we do for flooded roads and how we can help prepare for more water this summer. Listen to this week's To The Point.

It appears flooding is here to stay for the summer, and we'll do our best to make sure your travels are affected as little as possible. There are many resources out there for flooding information -- one that you can check any time for road information is our Traveler Information Map.

For us, it's all about the little red icon and how we make sure it doesn't keep you from your summer activities.

From the map, click the Current Flood Information link for detours and other information about preparing for a flood.

Other great resources include:

Official Missouri State Website

Department of Natural Resources facebook page

Missouri Flood Info facebook page

It's Not Necessary

2011-06-17T09:10:00.000-05:00

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is working with automakers and pushing for them to create campaigns against texting while driving. The ad above is from BMW - and makes a clever point to all of us parents out there who worry about so many details, but perhaps risk missing the big picture.

LaHood is also asking automakers not to add features that distract drivers -- like facebook and twitter. Says Lahood, "It's not necessary."

In a recent article on Mashable.com, Todd Wasserman asks the question about whether LaHood is standing in the way of progress or working to rightly curtail driving distractions. What do you think?

Wish smart phones so readily available and tempting drivers with the latest social update, would it be safer to have a gadget provided by the auto manufacturer, so that at least drivers weren't holding their phones? Or, is this a path that can only lead to increased injuries and death on our roads?

Near Miss

2011-06-16T08:34:00.000-05:00

Today I had a close call. On my drive to work, I needed to make a left turn. Before turning, I looked in both directions and saw that it was clear. But as I began to make my turn, I nearly ran into a motorcyclist coming from the right. Though the road had appeared clear of vehicles, I needed to look more closely.

As someone who promotes traffic safety, that's a bit embarrassing. I was shaken, but perhaps not nearly as much as the man on the motorcycle. It was a relief to know we could both head in our separate directions and go about our morning, but it certainly did drive home a valuable lesson.

Even when you've looked, look again.

And to the motorcyclist out there in Jefferson City this morning, I offer my sincere apology.

Slam Dunk

2011-06-13T13:41:00.000-05:00

Sometimes we all do stupid things. Today we’re releasing a new video that shows a kid who’s challenging another guy in a basketball game and betting his dad’s car. Unfortunately for the kid, the other guy is like three feet taller than him. It reminded me of when I was in college and would play pickup basketball games with some of the MU men’s players.

Ok, I’m tall for a woman, but at 5’9” there’s probably still about a foot difference between me and some of those guys. And, if I’m being truthful here, I wasn’t that good either. So, I fouled a lot and ended up with a few chipped teeth… but at least I didn’t bet my dad’s car. It was fun, but probably still kind of stupid. Still, it wasn’t near as stupid as not buckling up. Luckily for me, I always wear my seat belt, and that's a slam dunk for my safety.

Unfortunately for 24 percent of Missourians, they still don’t buckle. In fact, seven out of 10 Missourians killed in traffic crashes are unbuckled. It’s sad, really. It takes a couple of seconds to click your seat belt, and it can save the rest of your life.

In my life, I have a list of stupid things I’ve done about a mile long, but forgetting to buckle up isn’t one of them. So, please Buckle Up and Arrive Alive!

Parents Hold the Keys to Keep Teen Drivers Safe

2011-06-10T11:26:00.000-05:00

Recently during a visit with my mother, my son asked if she’d consider giving him her new VW convertible for his 16th birthday. It made us all laugh of course, especially since he’s only 12 this summer. But, then I started thinking about how it really isn’t all that far off for him to drive and I quit laughing.

For parents of teens who are already driving though, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is the deadliest for drivers ages 15-20. And, according to an analysis of crash data completed by AAA, seven of the top 10 deadliest days of the year on the roads for teens occur between the Memorial Day and Labor Day holidays.
Summer just started, and while we’re all focused on what to do to make this year memorable and fun, we may want to also focus on making it a safe summer for our teen drivers too.

To keep safe, parents should encourage teen drivers to use the following tips:
• Buckle up
• Don’t drink and drive
• Don't speed
• Avoid distractions
• Restrict Night Driving
• Establish a parent-teen driving agreement
• Set a passenger limit

Visit savemolives.com for a teen driver’s guide and other info. So remember parents, you hold the keys to keeping your teens safe. Buckle Up and Arrive Alive.

Roadside Lullaby

2011-06-09T09:10:00.001-05:00

I’ve been interacting with truck drivers and other folks who work in the trucking industry through MoDOT Motor Carrier Service’s Facebook page ***SHAMELESS PLUG *** - www.facebook.com/modotmcs - for several months. I’ve learned several things.

What I think is interesting is sometimes met with, well, not really silence. It’s more like deep sighs and the sound of crickets.

Some drivers spend their windshield time thinking of ways to tease MoDOT employees. Yeah, Tony. I said it.

Sometimes, when I pass along news I think won’t go over well, drivers take it better than I expected. Case in point – I reported that the Wright City rest areas, including truck parking spots, will be closed for two weeks in June while the plumbing is completely overhauled. The first comment was, “At least you’re fixing them instead of shutting them down.” Wow. I thought that kind of inconvenience would merit a gripe or two.

Want to make a driver happy? Let them know that MoDOT added 124 truck-parking spaces in one day when the Marston and Hayti Welcome Centers opened. Want to make them cry tears of joy? Let them know more are on the way near Mineola, Mo.

It surprises a lot of folks that something as simple as finding a place to park or take a break from the road is a passionate subject for truck drivers. I know I learned a lot when I started looking into it.

In some places, states are so strapped for funding, they’ve closed rest areas. Completely. Nearly all of them.

No worries, some think, they’ll just go to a truck stop to rest. And they do. But so do the other several hundred drivers out there. In and out. All night. Starting motors. Hissing airbrakes. Then the knocking. Entrepreneurs of the illegal stripe like to hang out in some truck stops and knock on drivers’ doors. All night.

Drivers can strike out for a quieter locale, but is it safe? Stories abound of folks being assaulted, robbed, even killed after parking in an area they didn’t know was dicey.

MoDOT’s funding issues are well known. It’s not like we’ve got wads of cash. But we’ve nearly doubled the number of State-provided safe, quiet truck parking spaces in the past six or seven years.

How? It’s been a matter of taking advantage of situations. Weigh station no longer needed? Knock it down and make it a truck parking area. Ditto for obsolete rest areas. Have the opportunity to blend state and federal funds to build a welcome center? Configure it to separate trucks from cars and squeeze as many truck spots as possible into the footprint. When we add truck parking, drivers use the facilities and take good care to keep them clean and safe.

If you have any doubts whether making truck parking a priority is a good call, ask yourself this question:

Do I want to be on this highway with a truck driver who didn’t sleep well?

Sweet dreams, driving pros. Rest easy.

Bolder Five-Year Direction Approved

2011-06-08T16:19:00.000-05:00

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission unanimously adopted a plan today that will make MoDOT a smaller agency so $512 million can be directed to needed road and bridge projects by 2015. The meeting was streamed live, with more than 1,000 viewers tuning in.

The adopted Bolder Five-Year Direction calls for reducing staff size by 1,200, closing 131 facilities and selling more than 740 pieces of equipment. MoDOT will retain a significant presence in Joplin, Macon and Willow Springs, where the three district offices will close. About 70 to 80 employees will remain in each of those areas under the direction of an area engineer.

Other changes include extending the date to make staffing changes from Dec. 31, 2012 to March 31, 2013, adjusting the boundaries of the new seven districts and revisions to the list of facilities to close.

Information detailing the Bolder Five-Year Direction can be found on www.modot.org, including videos of the full meeting.

In a press conference following the meeting, Director Kevin Keith said "we begin tomorrow" to implement the bolder direction.

That Was Stupid - Bomb Squad

2011-06-06T14:18:00.003-05:00

I’ve played eenie meenie miney moe many times, but never to deactivate a ticking bomb. Check out our very own MacGruber moment of “That was stupid.”