Welcome to the MoDOT Express Lane!

Welcome to MoDOT's first e-mail newsletter, the “MoDOT Express Lane – Transportation News to You in 12 Articles or Less.” This twice-monthly newsletter features the latest, most interesting news articles about department activities in a short, easy-to-read format. This is a low-cost way to provide information about transportation issues directly to anyone interested in transportation topics.

Cell-Phone Data Will Improve Traffic Flow

MoDOT will be a worldwide leader in using cell-phone technology to improve traffic flow on Missouri roadways. The department is currently negotiating a contract to obtain anonymous statewide traffic data using cell phones to get travel times and average speeds on 5,500 roadway miles. This information will help MoDOT make the transportation system safe and more efficient and will cost much less than other traffic-detection systems. Cell Phone Traffic Data

MoDOT Launches Long-Range Planning Effort

Regional Working Groups convene to begin crafting transportation vision

MoDOT recently launched the Missouri Advance Planning initiative, a statewide effort to update Missouri’s long-range transportation plan. The MAP launch is the beginning of a statewide dialogue on what the state’s transportation system could and should do for its citizens and how best to fulfill these expectations. Long-Range Planning Effort

Requirements and Fees Waived 

MoDOT recently waived several requirements for motor carriers who travel through Missouri while engaged in disaster relief efforts in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana or Mississippi, to comply with a recent executive order issued by Gov. Matt Blunt. Executive Order The $50 overdimension load permit fee normally charged for transporting hay on Missouri roads also has been waived through Dec. 31. Anyone transporting hay also will be allowed to travel on holidays and at night, which is not normally allowed. Waived Permit Fees

Commuter Lots Help Motorists Save Lots

MoDOT’s commuter parking lots offer a reasonable solution for many motorists wanting to save money on gas and other vehicle-related expenses. MoDOT’s parking lots have more than 6,000 public parking spaces statewide throughout MoDOT’s 10 districts. Commuter Lots

Alternative Fuels:  Meeting the Mandates

In these days of high gasoline prices, MoDOT is doing its part to manage fuel use and help reduce waste. MoDOT has exceeded state mandates on fuel efficiency standards. MoDOT’s passenger cars now achieve 34.4 miles per gallon and light-duty trucks achieve 23.8 miles per gallon. Alternative Fuels

New Pavement Marking System is Better, Brighter, Safer

A new pavement marking system to make driving Missouri highways easier and safer was implemented in August. New pavement will be striped using wider, longer-lasting pavement markings designed to improve traffic flow and visibility at night and during wet weather. The goal is to reduce the potential for crashes and highway worker injuries. New Pavement Marking Story

MoDOT to Implement First-in-the-Nation Homeland Security Review

A new, first-in-the-nation partnership between MoDOT, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and the national Department of Homeland Security will reduce security threats to Americans and the trucking industry. Homeland Security Review

New Statewide Bicycle Map to Help Bicyclists

A statewide set of bicycle road maps designed to help bicyclists choose their routes is now available for public review and comment. These maps, produced by MoDOT, provide information for bicyclists planning to ride across the state or between two towns. New State Bike Map

New Management Named

The department has announced many recent staff changes. New directors in the North Central District and at the Central Office in the divisions of Highway Safety, Design, Audits and Investigations, Resource Management and a new Acting Chief Financial Officer are all included. New Leaders

MoDOT’s 2006 Legislative Agenda Outlined

MoDOT has set its goals for the 2006 legislative session, including proposals that would improve safety for motorists and road workers. The 2006 MoDOT Legislative agenda

MoDOT Wins Big In Awards Competition

Wins Three of Six Statewide Honors

MoDOT recently won several awards for its efforts to cut costs and improve transportation services. Of six awards for quality and productivity presented to state agencies by Gov. Matt Blunt, MoDOT won three. MoDOT Wins Awards