What browsers work best with the Traveler Information Map?

The map works best with Firefox 2 and Internet Explorer 7.  If you are a MacIntosh user, make sure you have the latest version of Safari or Firefox installed on your computer.  If you're still having trouble, please contact us.

I'm a dial-up user. Can I still use the map?

Yes.  The first time you visit, it will load slowly so be patient.  Once the map segments have loaded to your computer from Google, your next visit should go quicker.  Also, some dial up users using Internet Explorer may not have their browser properly configued.  Follow these instructions to make sure your browser is set up correctly.  Note: On rare occasions some versions of Norton Internet Security and McAfee Antivirus have difficulty with javascript in Internet Explorer. Make sure your Internet protection software is up-to-date. You can even temporarily disable it to view the map.

How do I zoom-in or change views?

The quickest way to zoom is to double click your left mouse button on the area you want to see better.  This is valuable when icons are stacked on the statewide view. There also is a bar in the upper left corner of the map that will zoom in to whatever area is centered. Use the hand icon to "grab" the map and center the area you want to see. Then use the graduated bar to get a closer look. You can also right click on the map and choose which view you would like to see. For cities and counties, just use the pull down menus at the bottom of the legend to choose your location of interest.

What incidents are displayed on the map?

All closures for any reason are displayed automatically when you open the map. Incidents refer to highway accidents or events that affect traffic or close a road entirely. This map only displays incidents on major routes like interstates and state-maintained highways and is not an all-inclusive list of incidents on Missouri roads.

Utility problems affecting roads are also reported as incidents.  During icy weather these usually refer to downed or low-hanging powerlines affecting state routes.  NEVER get near or touch a downed powerline or any object it might be touching.

How do I make the icons display faster?

To improve performance, select only those items of interest. The more legend items that are selected will result in a longer amount of time required to plot the icons on the map. Try deselecting the checkboxes before zooming in, then selecting your options when your chosen area appears.

How can I tell what portion of road is covered with snow or ice?

Closures are displayed automatically when you open the map. Other weather-related road conditions for major routes are displayed by colored lines that become more detailed as you zoom in. The lines are placed on generalized route locations at the statewide level for quicker load times. Mouse over the closure icons to get more detailed information.

Why aren’t more roads shown on the weather-related road conditions layer?

Although all closures are displayed, only major highways and routes are shown on the weather-related road conditions layer because of the way the condition is reported from the field. Live plow crews assess road conditions from the field and report them to district office personal as frequently as possible. Changes in conditions for less-traveled routes are not possible because crews are not available for assessment on a frequent basis.  Remember: weather-related road conditions can change in a second! Use the map as only one information resource. Keep up with local weather forecasts and Missouri Highway Patrol reports.

What do the different conditions mean?

To keep the report simple, only four condition categories are used.

Clear - The surface is generally clear of snow and ice. Roads may be wet or dry.

Partly Covered - The surface has frozen patches on it. Bridges and minor roads will likely be in worse condition. Avoid driving in these conditions if possible.

Covered - The surface is more than 50 percent covered with frozen material. Driving in these conditions can be dangerous. Please avoid driving if at all possible.

Closed - Conditions sometimes warrant closure of the road until work or weather improve the driving surface.

Every storm is different. Road conditions depend on many factors - temperature, traffic, precipitation and more. MoDOT works hard to keep roads open and in normal condition. Our goal is to return all roads to normal in less than a day. If you can, avoid driving until our crews have had time to clear the roads.

How can I tell what work zones you have scheduled?

Future work zones can be viewe by choosing the blue icon checkbox on the left-hand side of the page.  Work zones are listed up to a week in advance but may be delayed or modified due to weather or other factors.  The map should be checked again on the day of your trip to make sure the work zone is live and provide you with more information.