The spring and summer of 2012 will bring road and bridge construction back to Missouri highways as MoDOT works to maintain the condition of major roads and improve minor roads.

More than 100 bridges are scheduled for construction this year under MoDOT’s Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program, a statewide effort to repair or replace more than 800 of Missouri's worst bridges by the end of 2013. Almost all of the bridges will be closed to speed construction and control costs. Drivers should consult the Safe & Sound interactive map for construction schedules, detour routes and other project details.
 

To keep everyone safe, MoDOT is managing and improving work zones in many ways. We’ve enhanced work zone warning signs to make them more visible to motorists and we are using the latest technology to monitor traffic in work zones to decrease delays.

 

We also encourage everyone to rate a work zone with our online work zone report card.  In addition, MoDOT provides an online map with work zone information to help you plan your trip. We’re working hard to keep motorists safe, but we need your help. Please watch for signs, be alert and don’t barrel through work zones.

• In 2011, 11 people were killed in work zones, a decrease from 2010 when 15 people were killed.
• There were 701 people injured in 2011 work zones, compared to 1,036 in 2010. This is a decrease of over 32 percent.
• Between 2007 and 2011, 57 people were killed and 3,812 people were injured in Missouri work zones.
• Since 2000, 15 MoDOT employees have been killed in the line of duty.
• The top five contributing circumstances for work zone crashes in 2011 were inattention, following too closely, improper lane usage/change, too fast for conditions and failure to yield -- in this order.
• Your best defense in a work zone crash, or any crash, is a seat belt. In 2011, of the 784 traffic fatalities, 613 were vehicle occupant fatalities, and almost 69 percent of them were not wearing a seat belt.

 

Drive Smart in Work Zones to Arrive Alive

Here are some helpful tips:

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

1-888 ASK MODOT  (1-888 275 6636)