JEFFERSON CITY – Heavy rains over the weekend have closed 350 roads across the state. Currently Interstate 44 is closed between Rolla and Lebanon and is not expected to reopen until mid to late week. Monday morning rush will be impacted especially on several other major routes that are either currently closed or will close overnight. Travelers need to begin making plans now to find alternate routes around these closures for work and school commutes on Monday morning. Motorists should check Missouri’s Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org before traveling.
Cross state travelers should avoid using I-44. Please use Interstate 70 between St. Louis and Kansas City and then use Interstate 49 to Joplin to reconnect to Interstate 44. The detoured traffic between Rolla and Lebanon is experiencing severe delays.
The following are some of the major routes that will be closed and affect Monday morning’s commute:
- I-44 between Rolla and Lebanon
- Route 141 at I-44 in St. Louis County will close this evening
- Route 63 near Vienna, between Rolla and Jefferson City will close this afternoon
- Route 50 at Mount Sterling in Gasconade County will close overnight
- Route 61 in Troy may reopen sometime Monday but is expected to be closed for the morning rush
More major roads are expected to close by Tuesday and not expected to reopen until late in the week due to rising waters on the major rivers. As major roads continue to close, updates will be provided to the public.
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’re 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.
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. You can also call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) for up-to-date information.
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