JEFFERSON CITY – Heavy rains over the weekend still have more than 300 roads closed across the state. Currently Interstate 44 is closed between Rolla and Lebanon and is not expected to reopen until mid to late week. Travelers need to make plans to find alternate routes around these closures for work and school commutes on Tuesday morning. Motorists should check Missouri’s Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org before traveling.
I-44 in St. Louis County is expected to close after evening rush on Monday and remain closed for the rest of week. The full interstate closure distance is from I-270 to Route 100. Only local traffic will be allowed westbound past I-270 to Bowles along with one eastbound lane of I-44 to Pacific, Eureka and Route 109.
Travelers headed across Missouri should avoid using I-44 due to the closures in St. Louis and between Rolla and Lebanon. Please use Interstate 70 between St. Louis and Kansas City and then use Interstate 435 to Interstate 49 to Joplin to reconnect to Interstate 44.
The following are some of the major routes that will be closed and affect Tuesday morning’s commute:
- I-44 between Rolla and Lebanon
- I-44 in St. Louis County will close overnight
- Route 141 at I-44 in St. Louis County
- Route 30/Gravois in St. Louis County at Meramec River will close overnight
- Route 21/Tesson Ferry in St. Louis County at Meramec River will close overnight
- Route 109 in Eureka in St. Louis County will close overnight
- Route 63 near Vienna, between Rolla and Jefferson City
- Route 50 at Mount Sterling in Gasconade County
Most of the major routes are not expected to reopen until late in the week due to rising waters on the major rivers. Updates will be provided to the public as major routes continue to close.
Motorists are reminded that not all flooded roads will have closure signs. MoDOT cautions all travelers to never drive through water on the roadway. Turn around and find an alternate route. Remember the slogan, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Flash flooding is particularly dangerous at night or the early morning hours when motorists often cannot see they are driving into floodwaters until it’s too late. Less than a foot of moving water is enough to push a vehicle.
When the water recedes, MoDOT will inspect the pavement and bridges for safety before opening the roadways for public use.
Missourians should take these precautions in areas affected by flooding:
- Low water crossings are among the most dangerous spots. Never attempt to cross one that is flooded.
- Never drive past a barricade closing flooded roads. They are there to protect you.
- Never expect barriers to block off flooded low-water crossings, bridges or roads because flash flood waters often rise so quickly authorities do not have time to respond.
- If your vehicle becomes stuck in rising water, get out quickly and move to higher ground because rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and sweep it away.
- In the rain, if your wipers are in use your headlights should be on too. It’s the law. You can also call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) for up-to-date information.
- Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map to stay current on all flooding closures at http://traveler.modot.org/map/. The map is also available as a free app on iTunes and Google play listed as MoDOT Traveler Information.
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