Smooth Roads Program Leads MoDOT's 2005 Accomplishments

Making Missouri roads smoother, safer, sooner was the number-one accomplishment for MoDOT in 2005. The additional work, combined with maintenance and construction jobs already planned, led to the largest five-year construction program in MoDOT history. MoDOT's Top 10 in 05

Surplus MoDOT Equipment For Sale Online

MoDOT has a new tool to recoup taxpayers' money by auctioning off surplus equipment on the Internet. A Web site allows various governmental agencies to sell surplus items online. So far, MoDOT auctions have included office equipment, computers, miscellaneous building supplies and furniture. The public can bid on items by registering for free at www.GovDeals.com. Get more info on MoDOT's website www.modot.org.

Practicing What We Preach  

Since last summer, MoDOT has been using “Practical Design” when planning highway construction projects. This process will save nearly $400 million over the next five years by allowing us to customize projects to fit specific needs, rather than apply generic standards across the board. The money saved will fund additional projects. Now we've put the process in writing in a new Practical Design Implementation Manual. Practical Design Manual
 

Déjà vu:  2006 Brings More Construction on I-44

Though Interstate 44 became much smoother and safer in 2005, next year promises even more construction on the cross-state route. A number of significant projects are planned between March and December 2006, and travelers should expect lane changes and slower speeds in work areas. These projects will require running traffic on one lane, head-to-head, in each direction. Work will begin in Cuba as early as March 1. I-44 Construction

Web Map Offers 24/7 Road Conditions

When bad weather is forecast and you're worried about safe travel, there’s a place you can go day or night to find out major road conditions throughout the state. MoDOT’s Web site offers a map that shows general road conditions on the state’s major highways. The map, which is updated every 30 minutes during winter storms, will tell you whether a road is dry, wet, partly covered, covered or closed. Motorists can zoom in for details on routes in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas. Web Map

Coalition Web Site Rocks

The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety’s updated Web site at www.savemolives.com really rocks. That’s because visitors are greeted upfront with a hard-hitting public service announcement pronouncing “Pickups rock.  They also roll.”  The campaign is designed to persuade young pickup truck drivers to buckle up. Arrive Alive Website

New District Engineer Chosen for Joplin Area

Becky Baltz of Springfield was named district engineer for MoDOT's Southwest District in Joplin. Baltz, who previously served as the assistant district engineer in MoDOT's Springfield Area District, assumed her new duties Jan. 2. She replaced Richard Walter, who retired. New District Engineer

Director of Audits Announced
Bill Rogers was selected as the director of the Audits and Investigation Division, housed in MoDOT's Central Office. Rogers was made the acting director of the division in August to assume Roberta Broeker’s former responsibilities when she became MoDOT's chief financial and administrative officer.

New Senate Transportation  Chair Named

On Dec. 15, Sen. Bill Stouffer (R-Napton) was named chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee by the President Pro Tem of the Senate, Michael Gibbons. Sen. Stouffer currently serves on the Senate Transportation Committee. MoDOT looks forward to working with Sen. Stouffer to move transportation forward in Missouri. 

Report a Road Repair

The Federal Highway Administration recently honored MoDOT for its innovative Web page, Report a Road Repair. This online form allows drivers to report traffic signal problems, potholes and maintenance needs with a click of the mouse. Road concerns are immediately routed to the proper district through MoDOT's customer service center and prioritized by the district maintenance staff. Currently, MoDOT receives almost 800 reports a month from this service. Road Repair