Governor Challenges MoDOT

During the Jan. 11 State of the State address, Gov. Matt Blunt congratulated MoDOT for its recent accomplishments. He then challenged the department to continue its aggressive work by completing its Smooth Roads Initiative a year early. MoDOT Director Pete Rahn said that although it's a substantial challenge, the department will make every effort to meet the governor’s expectations. SRI Challenge You can also view the Governor's Address.

Take the Funding Allocation Challenge

A new online game is giving citizens the chance to call the shots at MoDOT. A virtual MoDOT Director Pete Rahn walks players through the interactive exercise of allocating funding to various transportation needs. The game, found on MoDOT's Web site at www.mapourfuture.org, challenges players to distribute money for the state’s roads and bridges, as well as the other transportation modes -- aviation, waterways, public transportation and rail. New Funding Game

Citizens Plan for Transportation Future
Missouri citizens are taking lead roles in planning for the state's transportation future. MoDOT is hosting another series of regional working groups to discuss statewide needs, transportation trends and conditions, and improvements to Missouri’s transportation policies and strategies. The meetings are open to the public. Future Planning

Old Web Site Address Turned Off
If you have trouble logging on to MoDOT's Web site, you might be using the old Web address (www.modot.state.mo.us), which recently stopped forwarding users to the new site. Anyone trying to access this site will get an error page. Visitors should go to www.modot.org and bookmark this address.  

Route 36 Four-Laning Approved

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission recently approved the design for a future four-lane Route 36 between Macon and Hannibal, as well as a cooperative financing agreement between MoDOT and local officials. The agreement secures funding for the $100 million project with a contribution from Marion, Shelby, Monroe and Macon counties totaling up to $43 million. Construction is expected to begin between Monroe City and Hannibal this fall, with the entire 52 miles to be completed in 2010. Route 36 Project

Campaign Urges Teens to Buckle Up

About 78 percent of teens killed in crashes last year weren't buckled up. Although they comprise only 11 percent of all drivers, teens were involved in 29 percent of crashes, and don't buckle up as often as the rest of the population. To combat these findings, MoDOT's Highway Safety Division has launched the Restrain Yourself campaign, including teen-produced television public service announcements. Restrain Yourself  

Transportation Safety Bills Introduced
Primary seat belt legislation(HB 1377), a Safety for Workers on Missouri’s Right of Way bill (HB 1379 and SB 754), and a bill that allows the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to revoke motor carriers privileges on Missouri highways (HB 1340 and SB 761) have all been introduced this year. These bills could save many lives on Missouri roadways, as well as prevent countless injuries -- the primary seat belt law alone would save about 90 lives a year, as well as bring $16 million in federal incentive funds to Missouri. Safety Bills

Traffic Statistics May Surprise You
Not surprisingly, crashes, injuries and fatalities can be an everyday occurance on Missouri highways. What may be surprising is when the crashes and fatalities occur and to whom. For instance, most crashes occur when drivers run off the road and hit a fixed object. The biggest reasons for crashes are inattention and driving too fast for conditions. Drivers 16-25 years old, on rural, numbered routes on Friday afternoon in June or November are the most likely to end up in a serious or fatal crash. You can check out all the statistics at this traffic safety page on MoDOT's Web site.