In 2009, MoDOT will continue to improve roads and bridges with at least 32 projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act; more than 800 bridges as part of Missouri’s Safe & Sound bridge program; and improvements on 5,600 miles of roadway by the end of 2011, which will bring 85 percent of Missouri’s roadways up to good condition. These improvements translate into many work zones across the state this construction season.

To keep everyone safe, MoDOT is managing and improving work zones in many ways. We’re enhancing work zone warning signs to make them more visible to motorists. We’ve also added a new online work zone report card that allows anyone to visit MoDOT’s Web site to rate a work zone. In addition, MoDOT provides an online map with work zone information to help you plan your trip. Social media like e-newsletters and podcasts and other more forms of communication also keep motorists informed of current and planned work zones. 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 2008, 12 people were killed in work zones, an increase from 2007 when 5 people were killed.
• There were approximately 600 people injured in 2008 work zones, compared to 792 in 2007. This is a decrease of 24 percent.
• Between 2004 and 2008, 79 people were killed and 4,744 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 2008 were inattention, following too closely, failure to yield, improper lane usage/change and too fast for conditions - in this order.
• Your best defense in a work zone crash, or any crash is a seat belt. In 2008, of the 961 traffic fatalities, 761 were vehicle occupant fatalities. Nearly 70 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)

 

For more information on road work, you can also visit the Department of Tourism's Detours page.