MoDOT Accepts Challenge to Deliver

Smooth Roads Initiative A Year Ahead of Schedule

In last night’s State of the State address, Gov. Matt Blunt congratulated the Missouri Department of Transportation for its recent accomplishments, and then challenged the department to continue its aggressive work by completing its Smooth Roads Initiative a year early.

“We are very pleased that the governor recognized the progress of MoDOT in his State of the State Address,” said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn.  “We have worked hard to improve Missouri’s transportation system, while improving as an organization. The public can see the results.” 

The Smooth Roads Initiative is part of MoDOT’s Smoother, Safer, Sooner program, an aggressive road-building effort financed by voter passage of Amendment 3 in November 2004.  The initiative, begun a year ago, had a goal of bringing the most heavily traveled 2,200 miles of Missouri highways up to good condition by December 2007.  The governor’s challenge moves that deadline up to December 2006.

“Missouri voters gave us a chance to shine by passing Amendment 3, and our hard-working employees and contractors have moved quickly to deliver promised improvements,” Rahn said.  “The governor has called upon us to complete the Smooth Roads Initiative a full year early. This is a substantial challenge.  We will make every effort to meet the governor’s expectations.

“MoDOT understands that delivering 2,200 miles of smooth pavement is critical to Missouri’s future,” he said.  “There is no doubt 2006 will be the biggest year ever in Missouri’s highway history.  I applaud Gov. Blunt’s commitment to improving transportation in our state.”