A Winning Team

MoDOT has recently been awarded some top honors. This week it was announced that the Interstate 64 reconstruction project in St. Louis has been selected as the 2010 America's Transportation Awards Grand Prize Winner by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It competed as one of forty-three projects.

In addition, the new diverging diamond interchange in Springfield, Mo., won the Francis B. Francois Award for Innovation. The award goes to a project that brings value to the public. In this case, the interchange allows traffic to move faster, reduces congestion, increases safety and saves money.

Also, Interim Director Kevin Keith received the President's Transportation Award for Administration. He was recognized for exemplary service and impacting transportation by implementing Practical Design, a cost-saving strategy that has now become our standard way of doing business.

This recognition shows we're working hard to provide quality transportation and use resources wisely. Congratulations to all of those who worked with these projects and were a part of bringing about practical, innovative solutions to achieve tremendous results.

Watch Out For Real Halloween Horrors

This time of year, I am wrapped up in the Halloween preparations like most people. The house is decorated and candy bought, but we’re still trying to find the pieces to complete costumes for a night of trick-or-treating fun. And while we all know the typical dangers to look out for on this night like tampered candy and ill-fitting costumes, many of us don’t think about some of the other really scary dangers like drunk drivers.

In fact, Halloween is a particularly deadly night due to impaired drivers. According to a study over a 20-year period by the National Highway Traffic Safety administration, four times the number of elementary and middle school-aged children were killed by a car or truck on Halloween when compared to all other evenings.

In 2008, 58 percent of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween night involved an impaired driver. In 2009 in Missouri, there were six people killed and 34 seriously injured in traffic crashes during the Halloween weekend. Of the six people killed, two involved an impaired driver and 80 percent were unbuckled.

So for everyone planning a Halloween party for more than the kids, keep in mind the following tips:
* Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
* Before drinking, designate a sober driver and give that person your keys.
* If you’re impaired, take a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
* If you suspect a drunk driver on the road, contact your local law enforcement.
* Always buckle up. It’s your best defense in a crash.
* Slow down and stay alert!

Besides looking out for impaired drivers, all motorists need to be aware that on a night such as Halloween, children dressed in costumes can run out onto streets and roadways. To avoid real-life Halloween horrors, remember the following if you are trick or treating with your kids:
* Walk on sidewalks if at all possible.
* Make sure cars can see you by wearing reflective strips and carry a flashlight.
* Don’t assume a vehicle is going to stop for you – the driver may not be paying attention or see you.
* Watch carefully for kids in the streets and stay close to your own little “monsters.”

For more information, visit www.saveMOlives.com

Taking Impaired Drivers Off the Road

Foristell Police Department put their brand new DWI enforcement car to good use: by making a bust involving 70 pounds of marijuana.

Foristell Police Department was awarded the car by MoDOT's Division of Highway Safety for their 2009-2010 DWI enforcement efforts. They were randomly selected from 105 law enforcement agencies that participated in all five statewide DWI enforcement campaigns from August 2009 through July 2010.

Statewide DWI enforcement campaigns are held for St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, the Fourth of July, the annual You Drink & Drive, You Lose. Campaign and during the December You Drink & Drive, You Lose. holiday campaign.

During the statewide campaigns from August 2009 through July 2010, law enforcement officers statewide issued 2,385 driving while intoxicated violations. In addition, citations and warnings were issued for 16,521 speeding violations, 3,770 safety belt violations and 309 child restraint violations.

In 2009, 280 people were killed, 1140 seriously injured and 3719 received minor injuries in crashes involving an impaired driver.

KTU Constructors Completes 100th Bridge

For construction schedules, visit www.modot.org/safeandsound.

KTU Constructors has hit its first big milestone associated with the Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program -- the completion of its 100th bridge in less than a year.

KTU Constructors is MoDOT's design-build contractor. They won the contract in May 2009 to design and build 554 new bridges across the state. After spending several months getting their team in place, and starting the design process, KTU built four bridges last fall to test some of the construction techniques they expected would help them meet the challenge of rapidly building 554 new bridges in less than five years.

They started anew in March, and last Saturday reopened a bridge on Route M over Shankton Branch in Putnam County (near the Iowa-Missouri border) to hit the century mark. They've completed two more since then, and currently have 44 bridges under construction. In the next two weeks, KTU will begin work on 12 more projects to wrap up the 2010 construction season.

By the end of the year, weather permitting, KTU should have more than 150 new bridges completed.
But wait until 2011! Armed with lessons learned from this year; with the design process complete; and with a full inventory of precast beams awaiting delivery to job sites across the state, KTU plans to step on the gas. They have more than 300 bridges scheduled for 2011, with construction to begin in February.

The Safe & Sound program is well on its way to delivering 802 new and improved bridges to Missouri. Including the 'quick-start' bridges that MoDOT built last year outside of the design-build contract, Safe & Sound has repaired or replaced 265 bridges since April 2009. The pace has accelerated to where a new bridge is opening very two days.

To stay abreast of construction schedules, visit the Safe & Sound interactive map at www.modot.org/safeandsound

Dirty Trash Equals Clean Cash

My family and I recycle every piece of trash we can, and we pick up trash other people leave on the ground, so I understand the value of taking care of our environment. That’s why it’s so exciting when I hear of things MoDOT is doing to make a difference.

MoDOT Maintenance Superintendent Owen Hasson from our St. Louis District found a way to not only sweep up trash on St. Louis area streets and make them safer for motorists, but to help the environment and save the department tons of clean cash. Thanks to a dedicated sweeping crew and a new mobile screening unit, MoDOT has the potential to reduce its contribution to our urban landfills by up to 90 percent, while at the same time producing usable fill that can be used back on various road operations.

In March this year, crews started using the new screening unit to screen the street sweepings, producing a clean usable fill and reducing landfill debris and disposal costs. One cubic yard of sweepings weighs over one ton and thousands of cubic yards of sweepings are sent to landfills each year. Area landfill companies charge up to $45 a ton to dispose of sweeping debris. Hasson worked with the Department of Natural Resources to approve the usable fill.

So far this year, night sweeping crews have picked up 2,224 cubic yards of road debris. To haul this debris straight to the landfill would have cost more than $131,000. By filtering out the sweeping debris and reusing the cleaned sweepings, the disposal cost is reduced to under $20,000, saving $101,000 in landfill fees from these night crews alone.

Night crews represent only a fraction of the debris swept up in the St. Louis area. During the day, routine maintenance crews sweep up debris from the other major roads in the area and dump that debris at their buildings to be screened by the mobile screening unit.

Hopefully this process can be expanded in other areas to save even more money and reduce what goes to our landfill. Kudos to our St. Louis Area District and Owen Hasson for looking for creative ways to save money and help the environment!

Take a Break!

Aaaahhh, road trips. The open road, singing along to the radio, the thrill of freedom and adventure as you roll past the beautiful countryside.
OR...
Small children in the back screaming for the sippy cup they dropped, the dog whimpering for some attention, and a desperate need for some caffeine to finish up the 90 miles to Grandma's house, all while Barney and Elmo rock out to the latest counting song. 

Whatever YOUR road trips look like, we can help.

Missouri maintains 19 different rest areas and Welcome Centers across the state. Located on seven different Interstates, there are a variety of easy-to-access amenities. Visit our rest area map and click on any of the locations designated with stars to see what each offers.

You may even pick up a bit of Missouri history along the way. In Conway, stop to see the award-winning Route 66 displays. In Joplin, a mural made entirely from license plates is sure to impress. And in Eagleville, don't miss the 44-foot glass tile mosaic while you pick up a map, grab a snack and stretch your legs.

Your family ( and Fido) will thank you.

Two Thumbs Up

A new Nielsen survey out this week shows that teens send or receive an average of 3,339 texts a month, up 8 percent from last year. While I like to think that my teen years weren’t THAT long ago, the fact that I never go over my texting plan of 250 texts per month shows me that I’m not nineteen anymore.

The problem with texting is that too many texts are being sent from behind the wheel. I can’t get in my car and drive anywhere without seeing at least one person texting while driving. Just last week I passed a car that had been weaving between lanes for a good five miles only to figure out why: she was texting.

In 2008, 4,457 teen drivers ages 15 to 19 were involved in fatal crashes, and 16 percent (692) were distracted at the time of the crash. While it can be hard to put away your phone and ignore that pesky little beep of a new text message, the risk it poses to you and others on the road is just not worth it.

This week is Teen Driver Safety Week. Talk to your teen about distracted driving. Remind them that it’s prohibited for drivers under 22 and that it carries a hefty fine: $200.

For more information about teen driving safety, visit saveMOlives.com.

Take a Tour!

Have you ever wondered what goes into building a major river bridge? Tours are now being offered for the New Mississippi River Bridge in St. Louis, where you can see up close how these impressive structures take shape.

Up to 25 people can participate in two tours each month. They are 1.5 hours long and take place on the final Friday of each month at 12:30 and 2 p.m.

"This is a good opportunity for people to see the ongoing activities on the river as part of building the main span for the new bridge," said Greg Horn, P.E., project director for the New Mississippi River Bridge. "We have to limit tours though to minimize the impact to our contractor team and to ongoing construction."

Reservations are required. For full details, call 314-453-1808 and schedule your tour!

Training Road Wise Teen Drivers

As the mom of two teenagers and a preteen, I cherish any quality time I can get with my kids in today’s fast-paced world. But I wasn’t so sure how special that time was going to be when I first learned some of the QT – 40 hours precisely - was going to be spent on the road with my just-learning-to-drive, 15-year-old son (a requirement of Missouri’s Graduated Driver Licensing Program).

When I really thought about it, though, I realized he really needed to practice his driving skills and our time together would give us teachable moments about the rules of the road. So, first it was off to the Capitol Mall parking lot in the family car. It was great! We had a lot of wide open space, yet he had to drive slowly and it gave us lots of opportunities to practice turns, stopping at stop signs, yielding to pedestrians, etc.

Eventually we hit the streets and went on longer drives outside the city limits. This is where my comfort zone was tested … often. I did my best to stay calm and helpful, but my knuckles got a little whiter and there were many times I tried to slam on brakes that just don’t exist on the passenger side floorboard, especially riding down the very narrow lanes on Rte. 179 to our church.

Most of the time, his dad or I practiced with him during the daytime. But, the GDL program requires that 10 of the 40 hours of practice driving occur at night. Good thing, too, because since he got licensed more than a year ago, he has done plenty of night driving; i.e., closing at work, late night arrivals after Friday night football games, etc.

Overall, our 40 hours of QT behind the wheel was a good experience. And somewhere along the way, I became MoDOT Mom because of my constant reminders to him to wear his seat belt. Many times, both then and now, I have shared tragic stories about teens who have died in traffic crashes because they weren’t wearing their seat belt. I can only hope and pray this will drive the message home.

Unfortunately for many teens, their lack of experience behind the wheel puts them at a higher risk for traffic crashes. Did you know that our teen drivers only make up 9 percent of licensed drivers, but they are involved in nearly 24 percent of traffic crashes? Or, were you aware that of the 104 teens killed in traffic crashes in 2009, 76 percent were not wearing their seat belt. We don’t want our son to become part of these statistics, so his dad and I gladly took on our responsibility of helping him become a good, safe driver.

Ahh, but that will soon start all over again. You see, our daughter begins driver’s training next year. This time around, we look forward to using MoDOT’s newly redesigned teen safe driving guide, Road Wise. The parent tips in the booklet will help guide her learning experience and we will use the log in the back to track her practice time. It will be a great tool to help teach her the importance of driving safely. But even greater will be the 40 hours of quality time we will have together.

At the Top

Congratulations to those working with the kcICON Project in Kansas City, selected as the top road project and the fifth best bridge project of 2010 by Roads and Bridges magazine! Check the photos of the ribbon-cutting event last month. For a view from the top, don't miss the Shaky Cam video at http://bit.ly/am7fIU.

October's Missouri Miles

In this month's edition of Missouri Miles we take you to Tuscumbia, Mo., for a look at an amazing bridge demolition. We also take you behind the scenes of a chip sealing operation in Missouri.




In part two of Missouri Miles, we take you to the Show Me Safety Fair in St. Louis. The fair is complete with lessons about the dangers of drinking and driving and stresses the importance of wearing your seat belt. We also have a story on how MoDOT is going green in a very big way.

A Nostalgic Ride on the Rails

I haven’t ridden on a train in a very long time, so yesterday was an awesome experience. Instead of heading to the office as usual, I boarded the Columbine car, one of several Union Pacific heritage series cars being pulled by the Challenger 3985 – a 1940s-era steam engine. It is one of only two steam engines of its kind that still runs today.

Soon we were departing for Washington, Missouri. I was awed by the site of the fog still rolling off the Missouri River as we pulled away from Jefferson City. The thick, billowing steam from the engine continuously rolled over the top of the train, helping block the bright glare of the sun on this crisp fall morning. The sway on the tracks and the clacking of the car connectors wasn’t enough to distract from the beautiful view of bluffs and trees now beginning to sport their fall colors.

Not too long into the journey, we passed over the Osage River. This is where a second train bridge will soon be built with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds awarded to MoDOT. This project will help eliminate another bottleneck that impacts the speed and velocity of today’s modern trains.

Later, we passed over the Gasconade River where UP eliminated a bottleneck two years ago by completing a second track over the Gasconade River. Then just before we got to Washington, the train correctly stopped to let the westbound Amtrak train go by.

Throughout the journey, we must have been quite a sight to see for the many people who were stopped at crossings along the way and in the quaint towns nestled by the tracks.

Although the Challenger left us behind there to travel on to Illinois, it will return to Missouri this weekend as a part of Sedalia’s sesquicentennial celebration. What a fitting tribute to a city that was shaped by railroad history. What a great way I have discovered to see Missouri!

Couple Walks 91 Miles to Raise Funds for Fallen Workers Memorial

91 miles. That’s the distance Jim and Theo Feeney walked to raise funds for MoDOT’s Fallen Workers Memorial. The couple hiked nine hours a day for four days. At night, various friends put them up along the way. It’s the second year the Feeneys have made the journey.

Jim Feeney is a maintenance crew leader in MoDOT’s St. Louis district. He came up with the idea for the fund-raising effort two years ago.

"I told my wife I wanted to walk to Jefferson City to raise awareness of the memorial," Feeney said. "She said: ‘Can I go?’ "

This year, the Feeneys started their trek on the Katy Trail in Weldon Spring, Saturday, Oct. 2 and finished in Jefferson City, Tuesday, Oct. 5.

"Aside from my wife almost stepping on a couple of snakes, the most interesting part of the walk was the people," Jim said. "It’s humbling to find out how many good people are out there."

Since 1932, 130 MoDOT employees have been killed in the line of duty. Plans are under way to create a statewide memorial honoring these fallen men and women. The memorial will be funded by private donations. Feeney has personally raised over $3,000 toward the cause.

Anyone wishing to make a contribution to the memorial fund can make a check payable to State Highway & Transportation Employees Association of Missouri and mail it to: District 7 Highway Credit Union, Attn: Dave B. Taylor, 3901 East 32nd St., Suite A, Joplin, Mo., 64804



Smartie or Dum Dum: Which will you choose?

Will your school be a Dum Dum or a Smartie?

Using Dum Dum pops and Smartie candies is one way students enforce seat belt use in Battle of the Belt. Students wearing their seat belts receive Smarties to reinforce this lifesaving decision while students failing to buckle up get a Dum Dum.

According to the results of the latest statewide seat belt survey, teen seat belt use is up to 66 percent from 61 percent. Unfortunately, that means 34 percent still aren’t wearing their seat belts and are at a greater risk to get injured or killed in traffic crashes.

Battle of the Belt 2010 kicks off today. Missouri high schools will be competing to increase seat belt use among students.

More than 200 Missouri high schools signed up for this year’s competition, an 38 percent increase in participation from last year.

Battle of the Belt consists of two surprise seat belt checks at each high school to measure student seat belt usage before and after an educational campaign on the importance of safety belt use.

Statewide awards are given to schools who reach 91 percent or higher seat belt usage. Awards are also given at the regional level to schools with the highest overall seat belt usage and most improved seat belt usage.

Schools also have the opportunity to submit a 30-second video spot aimed at encouraging their peers to buckle up.

Last year’s winning PSA came from Washington High School and can be viewed below. It featured the slogan “Everyone’s a Winner when you Buckle Up.”

Teen seat belt usage increased by 5 percent in 2010. Sixty-six percent of Missouri teens buckle up. Teen seat belt usage remains below Missouri statewide usage (76 percent) and national seat belt usage (85 percent).

Find out more about Battle of the Belt here.

Two Feet, Two Wheels: All it Takes To Cross the Wide Missouri in KC

Pedestrians and bicyclists in the Kansas City area now can cross the wide Missouri River, thanks to years of cooperation, collaboration and the timely arrival of funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Last spring, the Heart of America Bridge began the transition from a motorist-only bridge to a multi-use Missouri river crossing with paths for bikes and pedestrians. That project opened to a crowd of bike, walking and running enthusiasts at 2 p.m. on Oct. 1.

The new accommodations include a barrier-separated bike and pedestrian path on Route 9 extending from 10th Avenue in North Kansas City to 3rd Street in Kansas City.

MoDOT retrofit the 8-year old bridge as part of already-scheduled bridge work. The department used existing pedestrian access to provide more opportunities for both foot and pedal traffic. Pedestrians need protection from vehicles that cross the bridge at high rates of speed. Casual cyclists are not always comfortable riding in motorist lanes that travel at a higher speed.  Advanced cyclists will continue to ride in lanes following the rules of the road, but with greater exposure to traffic.

In tandem with this project, the Chouteau Bridge is also under rehabilitation.

When complete by 2010, the Chouteau and Heart of America bridges will help Kansas City achieve its goal of a phased network of 600 miles of on-street bicycle routes within the city.

For more information, check out the project page on www.modot.org/kc under "Major Projects."

I Like to Move It, Move It

I was a lazy kid. Despite living a stone’s throw away from my school growing up, I can count on one hand the number of times I walked to school. Looking back at grade school pictures, I probably could have used the exercise.

But when I was growing up, I don’t remember anyone encouraging walking to school the way we do now. The entire month of October is Walk to School Month, October 4-8 is Walk to School Week and October 6 is International Walk to School Day.

Kids need 30-60 minutes of exercise each day. Walking or cycling to and from school is an ideal way to get some of that activity. Roughly 10% of children nationwide walk to school regularly. Even among those kids living within a mile of their school, only 25% are regular walkers.

So why not use this month as an opportunity to stretch your legs and get moving. Encourage others to do the same. Organize a Walk to School Day or week this month. You might find that your kids enjoy it so much they’ll want to do it every day (weather permitting of course – we do live in Missouri).

MoDOT oversees the Safe Routes to School program which provides safer biking and walking accommodations for children in grades K-8. The program is designed to provide public awareness and outreach efforts and improve biking and walking conditions around schools.

To find out more about Safe Routes to School, visit http://www.modot.org/safety/SafeRoutestoSchool.htm.

To find out what events are planned in Missouri or to plan one of your own, visit http://www.walktoschool.org/who/seestate.cfm?st=MO.

MoDOT Selling Retired Maintenance Buildings, other properties

MoDOT is putting four more real estate properties up for auction or sealed bid in October. Two are former maintenance facilities complete with buildings and utilities. Another property has a former residence on the property!

The maintenance buildings are located in Maries and Miller counties. The main structure at each location has several overhead doors, water, electricity and telephone hook ups. There’s also easy access from the highway. Both sites are between four and five acres of land and have been well maintained and managed. The main building located at either site has more than 3,200 square feet.

These facilities were closed as part of an effort to consolidate operations. Once MoDOT showed area residents that maintenance services would not decline after consolidation, the properties were put up for sale. Money generated by the sale will go back into funding improvements to Missouri roads.

Not many of MoDOT’s excess real estate sites are this complete. This opportunity is rare and interested buyers need to act as soon as possible! Check them out at these links:

Property in Belle, Mo.: http://modot.mo.gov/realtyforsale/Maries.htm#modot

Property west of Tuscumbia, Mo.: http://modot.mo.gov/realtyforsale/Miller.htm#modot

The property with the home is located in Carter County adjacent to Route 60. The 11 acre site has a long gravel driveway that sets it away from the highway, a car port, a detached garage and other amenities.

You can check out photos of the property by visiting:

http://modot.mo.gov/realtyforsale/Carter.htm#modot

The other property up for auction is in Stoddard County. It is not improved, but considered a high value at a great price. Take a look at it on our web site:

Property in Stoddard County: http://modot.mo.gov/realtyforsale/Stoddard.htm#modot

More property is scheduled to be sold by auction or sealed bid in November.

Want to make sure you’re in the loop with MoDOT realty for sale? Join our facebook page at this locale: http://www.facebook.com/realtytoroads We post sales announcements, answer questions, and supply useful information you’ll need for purchases.

McCluster's Warning

Kansas City Chiefs star Dexter McCluster has a warning for you about texting while driving:

Traveler Information Map Offers More Information than Ever

MoDOT's Traveler Information Map, located at http://maps.modot.mo.gov/tim/, has been helping drivers navigate work zones, snowy roads and flooded routes since 2007. Now it will do even more.

Radar imagery has been added to the online map. Fed from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the radar layers give a snapshot of weather conditions so travelers can see what’s going on and what’s on the way.

In addition, commercial truck drivers are now able to view height restrictions, commercial zones and oversized/over dimension information.

The look of the map has also changed. Although easy navigation of the map remains the same, it now loads quicker and it’s easier to zoom in.

Make Sure Your Babies Grow Up

As a parent, I learned quickly there are so many things that are out of my control. I can’t make my kids eat or even sleep when I want them to; I can’t take their tests for them at school or make sure they get invited to all the birthday parties. But one thing I have always made sure to control is the safety of my children inside our vehicles. From day one when I brought my firstborn home from the hospital, each of my three children has been properly buckled into the appropriate car seat. Unfortunately, many Missouri children are getting injured and killed because they are not properly secured.

In fact, car crashes are the number one killer of children. During the last three years in Missouri, 55 children were killed and 655 suffered disabling injuries as a result of traffic crashes. I see small children sitting in the front seat, kids standing inside vehicles unrestrained, babies riding on parents laps and many other examples of negligent care and it makes me angry for them. They deserve to get where they are going safely.

A recent NHTSA study reveals nearly three out of four parents don’t know how to use child safety restraints properly. Child Passenger Safety Technicians in Missouri report an even higher misuse rate, so during Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 19-25, parents and other caregivers can join in a Twitter Party, hosted by the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, where they can find out from experts how to protect their kids. The first ever Missouri-hosted car seat Twitter party is from 1-3 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 23. Certified car seat technicians will answer any question tweeted to #savemokids via Twitter.com.

National Seat Check Saturday also is Sept. 25 and technicians will provide on-site car seat checks and education at locations across Missouri. Seat Check Saturday is the culmination of a week-long child safety seat campaign that began Sept. 19. The annual campaign includes education on proper safety seat installation and use as well as increased law enforcement cracking down on Missouri’s child safety seat law violators. Violators could pay fines as much as $50 plus court costs.

In case you don’t know though, Missouri law requires all children under eight to be in an appropriate child safety seat or booster seat, unless:
• They are at least 80 pounds.
• They are at least 4’9” tall.

There are many choices I want my kids to have in life, but buckling up is one choice I make for them -- because I choose their safety. Buckle Up and Arrive Alive.

Being Green

Any environmental conscience statistic or answer I get that’s in the billions tells me something impressive is going on – so when I heard that the Missouri Department of Transportation has recycled more than 8.4 billion pounds of waste since 2005 I about fell off my chair. Click here for news release.

MoDOT has recycled in two ways in order to get to the 8.4 billion pound mark. The first involves industrial waste coming from mines, steel furnaces and power plants. This waste that normally goes directly to landfills has been collected and recycled, which over the past 5 years has totaled 3.56 billion. I called a few landfill managers here in Missouri and I found out 3.56 billion pounds of waste would fill the Empire State Building 4 times! To recycle is one thing, but to do it so aggressively that it removes the equivalent of 89,000 semi-truck loads from area landfills is another.

The biggest way MoDOT recycles is by reusing material. Instead of throwing away concrete and asphalt from old projects, we use the material again on new projects. Since 2005, MoDOT has recycled 4.86 billion pounds of reclaimed material that goes directly to new construction projects. This not only saves our environment, but saves taxpayer money too. I’m sure many of the highway miles you travel on contain reclaimed material.

It’s good to know that billions of pounds of waste are not sitting in a landfill and my tax dollars are getting used wisely when state roads get improved. Being environmentally aware is a good thing to be and I’m glad MoDOT is a leader when it comes to being green.

The Art of The Invisible

I'm sitting at my desk, looking at some mail, watching the clock and pondering what to fix for dinner. Then it hits me.

At some point, my desk, the mail, the clock and whatever it is I'll put on the plate tonight was transported by a truck. Someone hauled the logs, loaded up the van or put my milk in a tanker and then it traveled down the road until it got to me. Maybe I passed next Tuesday's breakfast or the propane that will heat my neighbor's house way too soon on my way to the office this morning. And you know, I never even noticed.

That's a compliment to the professional drivers who run alongside my car. I don't notice them. They drive safely and respectfully. So they deserve the attention that's coming their way. September 19-25 is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.

There's another reason to high-five your local trucking pro. Between 2005 and 2009, the number of fatal crashes that involved a commercial vehicle in Missouri fell by 49 percent - almost HALF!

It happened because roads and visual elements are better designed. Rumble stripes keep cars and trucks in the driving lanes. Missouri's law enforcement folks are on the job, making sure unsafe behavior has consequences. Emergency responders react with skill, speed and care.

But a lot of credit goes to drivers and motor carrier companies. They respect the equipment they operate and feel an obligation to look out for other travelers on the road - even when other drivers don't seem to care for their own safety.

I bet I notice every truck I meet on the way home tonight. I might even wave at them all - especially the ones who deliver to my local pizza place. On busy days like this, I'm most thankful for them!

Critical Timing

The Route 40 Bridge in Boone County is now better than ever.

Initial plans to replace the bridge in central Missouri included a 60-day closure, and this caused some worry from area business owners. Through open communication and proper planning, that same bridge work time was cut in half and was scheduled for the best possible time of the construction season. As one local business owner states "MoDOT really listened."

The extra effort paid off. Watch below to see the work that is complete and how the community has benefitted from a better bridge.



For information on other Safe & Sound bridges under construction, visit www.modot.org/safeandsound.

Central Site Created for Companies Wanting to Work for MoDOT

MoDOT has streamlined its bidding and contracting presence on the website. Now contractors, suppliers, consultants, and disadvantaged business enterprises have one centralized location to visit for bidding and contracting opportunities with MoDOT, and consultants can also find specifics on projects for which proposals are sought.

By visiting www.modot.org/bidding the business community now has a one-stop-shop to get started on all their bidding and contracting needs.

Previously, MoDOT’s bidding and contracting presence was separated depending on the type of bidding and contracting the department solicited. Bidding and contracting information for supply and service contractors was located separately from bidding and contracting information for roadway and bridge contractors, including DBEs. By pulling these locations into a consolidated “hub page,” MoDOT hopes to minimize any confusion and simplify the bidding and contracting process for businesses which may not be familiar with Department structure and processes.

A navigation button for bidding and contracting has been added to the left hand navigation of the site to make it even easier for online visitors to find what they need.

Leaner, Cleaner and Greener

The carbon footprint just got a little smaller in Poplar Bluff and Warrensburg.

MoDOT's Transit Unit used a federal grant to help two local public transportation agencies in these communities purchase a new hybrid vehicle that promises to run cleaner and cheaper than standard buses. Missouri is one of the first states to introduce hybrid technoliges on rural transit routes.

The buses have the potential to reduce fuel use by up to 40 percent, lower maintenance costs by 30 percent and reduce emissions by up to 30 percent.

Watch below to see how the Poplar Bluff community is enjoying their leaner, greener bus.

September's Missouri Miles

In this month's edition of Missouri Miles, we take you to Tuscumbia Missouri for the grand opening of the first project to begin construction under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Plus, how many Missouri teens are buckling up? We'll show you the latest numbers.



In this second part of Missouri Miles for September, we take a trip with the Show-Me 60 Caravan in southern Missouri. Plus, sit down with some of Missouri's best truck drivers and ask them some questions about life on the road.

I-64 St. Louis Project Getting National Attention

The I-64 St. Louis Project is now a grand prize finalist for the 2010 America’s Transportation Awards competition. Vote today!

Maybe the best two things a DOT can announce to the public for a completed project is: On time and under budget. These two goals are vital because it means money isn’t getting wasted and the impact to drivers was decreased from initial plans. When the I-64 St. Louis project finished on time and under budget back in December of 2009, it pleased many Missouri drivers, but now it has also impressed national transportation experts.

The I-64 St. Louis Project is now a grand prize finalist for the 2010 America’s Transportation Awards competition. Earlier this year transportation experts from across the country judged more than 40 entries from 29 states in the categories of on-time, under budget, innovative management and best recovery act project. The I-64 St. Louis project won first place in the Midwest region in the under budget category. Winners from each region and category were then narrowed down to an overall top 10 and the I-64 St. Louis project made the list! www.americastransportationaward.org

It’s easy to see why national transportation experts loved the I-64 St. Louis project. It was the largest highway improvement in Missouri history, yet reopened one month early and $11 million under budget. All project goals were met or exceeded despite limited funds, limited space and the need to limit the impact of construction. The project closed portions of I-64 for two years, but survey results show 95 percent of Missourians were satisfied with how the work was handled. www.thenewi64.org

As a top ten finalist the I-64 St. Louis project is now in the running for the grand prize and the people’s choice award. The grand prize will be chosen by a team of national transportation experts and the people’s choice award will determined through online voting. Online voting starts today and continues through October 18, 2010… so we encourage you to vote! It would be amazing if the I-64 St. Louis project won both awards and we would love your help! You can vote by visiting www.modot.org and clicking on the America’s Transportation Awards banner found on the top of MoDOT’s homepage. The winners of both awards will be announced October 31, 2010 and will receive $10,000 to go towards a charity or scholarship.

Go vote!

Recycling Rail Equipment

At MoDOT, we recycle everything from rubber tires, asphalt shingles and signs to entire roads and bridges. Now the Railroad Section has found a way to join in the eco-friendly efforts by reusing railroad safety equipment on a road construction project in Grandview.

Cantilevers that once extended over Route 150 to warn of train traffic on the Kansas City Southern branch line near Route 71 became obsolete when the state route was widened beyond the capacity of the train warning device. Instead of disposing the cantilevers, MoDOT and the city of Grandview found a way to reuse them. Now motorists and pedestrians have a safer highway-rail crossing at 139th Street between Grandboro Lane and 10th Terrace. The city has also posted new "LOOK" signs next to the sidewalk to provide additional warnings to look both ways for trains before crossing the tracks.

Missouri Needs to Just Buckle Up Already

Two recent Missouri surveys have just been released showing 24 percent of Missourians still don’t buckle up and even more alarming, 34 percent of teens don’t. With all the statistics out there now supporting seat belt usage, and the frequent news stories about people being ejected and killed from their vehicles because they weren’t buckled, it’s amazing that all these people still fail to do the one simple thing to save their lives – buckle up.

I have heard all the excuses why people don’t buckle their seat belts: they’re uncomfortable, it’s my choice, I don’t want the government to tell me what to do, it only affects me, etc. What do I say to these people? We all have the right to offer our opinions, but if you want to live to share your viewpoint, you might reconsider clicking that belt.

Here’s a few reasons why you should buckle up:
1. Research shows that your chances of surviving a traffic crash are much higher if you just take two seconds and buckle your seat belt, that’s the truth.
2. It doesn’t affect just you. If you get injured or die in a traffic crash, your friends and family suffer emotionally and possibly financially, and ultimately we all pay a price either through insurance or medical bills. Also, if you’re driving or riding in a vehicle with other people and you are unbuckled, you become a projectile possibly injuring or killing those around you.
3. If you think seat belts are uncomfortable, try a wheelchair or coffin.
4. Physically it is your choice to wear your seat belt, but legally it’s not. Whether or not you like it, it’s the law that you have to buckle up!

What’s the reality in Missouri? In 2009, 878 people were killed in Missouri traffic crashes, and 67 percent of the vehicle occupants killed weren’t wearing a seat belt. Young drivers are overrepresented in crashes both nationwide and in Missouri. Of all 2009 Missouri traffic crashes, 24 percent involved a young driver (under age 21). Of all fatal traffic crashes, 17 percent involved a young driver. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for people 15-20 years old.

What can we do? Besides the obvious – buckling up of course, we can encourage our family and friends to do the same. Everyone can also support a primary seat belt law in Missouri by talking to their legislators. Get more information at saveMOlives.com. Buckle Up and Arrive Alive.

Highway 60 Caravan

Hundreds of people braved the heat to participate in the Show-Me 60 Caravan celebration on Aug. 13. The caravan celebrated the completion of Route 60 as a completely four-lane facility across Missouri.

Mayor Jay Waggoner kicked off the opening ceremony in Willow Springs and emphasized how long the community has waited for a four-lane corridor. "The community has dreamed of this day for about 50 years. Dreams can become reality when men of vision commit to them," said Waggoner.

"I can't even believe we are here today finally finishing it," said U.S. Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson. Emerson highlighted the importance of this corridor to commerce throughout rural Missouri. "We have a great quality of life. We certainly have people who have a magnificent work ethic. We just have a very special place that we call home... There is absolutely no doubt that our communities now will grow and prosper. While we may not see it, our children and grandchildren will," said Emerson.

In addition to Willow Springs, the caravan stopped in Mountain View, Winona, Poplar Bluff, Dexter and Sikeston.

During the whistle stop in Mountain View, participants were treated to an exhibit of historical memorabilia and photographs from along Route 60. In Winona, Representative J.C. Kuessner shared with the crowd a story about his grandmother receiving the right to vote in 1920 and riding a mule to cast her vote for a two cent sales tax to improve transportation. "She knew in her own mind that she'd never see this, but she thought for sure her grandkids might see some changes. Well, in 1925 she saw the beginning of the building of highway 60," said Kuessner.

The caravan concluded in Sikeston, where Senator Bond expressed his support. "This is going to be tremendous avenue for commerce, for transportation, for tourism, and for safety. I learned back when I was governor that communities grow when they have good transportation. That is one of the key factors in seeing communities grow and providing economic opportunity. This provides that opportunity," said Bond.


Route 60 Celebration Photos

Jonas Brothers Helping to Reduce Texting and Driving

These days with one tween and another wanna-be tween in my house, our TV is tuned to shows like Hannah Montana, Suite Life on Deck and of course Jonas L.A. featuring the Jonas Brothers. While I’m not always into watching them on TV, I am interested in a new anti-texting and driving campaign the brothers are supporting.

The Jonas Brothers will be playing recreational softball games this year at minor league stadiums throughout the country. At each venue they are working with Allstate to educate fans about the dangers of texting behind the wheel.

As Kevin Jonas said in the group's announcement: "It is really important that our fans understand just how dangerous texting while driving is. Pledging not to text and drive is a promise to your friends, your family and yourself to keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel."

During the games, fans can join the Jonas Brothers in pledging not to text and drive by adding their thumbprint – the symbol of their pledge – to a banner that will be traveling with the "Road Dogs" tour. Participants will receive 'TXTNG KLLS' thumb bands to wear as a reminder of their commitment. Throughout the game, fans will also have the opportunity to win autographed t-shirts and other prizes.

The Jonas Brothers are raising awareness about a serious danger and giving the fans something to remember in a positive way. Unfortunately they are not coming to Missouri, but to take the pledge not to text and drive or for more information about the tour, visit www.facebook.com/XtheTXT.

Announcing the Amtrak Ticket Raffle Winners

Congratulations to all listed!

...for The Lincoln University WOW Weekend raffle (8/21/10) the ticket winners are:
MO River Runner ticket for one coach roundtrip- Jeff Maclin
MO River Runner ticket for one coach roundtrip- Alex Kelley

...for The Missouri State Fair raffle (8/12/10 – 8/22/10) the ticket winners are:
MO River Runner tickets for four coach roundtrip- Kristin Leiker
MO River Runner tickets for four coach roundtrip- Beth Holsather
MO River Runner tickets for two coach roundtrip- Shawn Murphy
MO River Runner tickets for two coach roundtrip- Sandy Wessel
MO River Runner ticket for one coach roundtrip- Martin Cunningham
MO River Runner ticket for one coach roundtrip- Ed Curtin
MO River Runner ticket for one coach roundtrip- Sheila Thacker
MO River Runner ticket for one coach roundtrip- Jeani Longstreth

...for The State Employee Appreciation Capitol Lawn Picnic raffle (8/20/10) the ticket winners are:
MO River Runner tickets for two coach roundtrip- Shawna Martin
MO River Runner tickets for two coach roundtrip- Wendy Libey
MO River Runner tickets for two business roundtrip- Connie Sandbothe

Amtrak provided the tickets.

Missouri Part of America's Marine Highway System

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently designated certain waterway corridors across America that will soon serve as highways of their own. The idea is to move more cargo from our highways and onto our waterway system, loading and unloading goods just like tractor trailers do. Click to see where these waterway corridors are located. http://www.marad.dot.gov/ships_shipping_landing_page/mhi_home/mhi_home.htm

If you looked at the waterway corridor map, you'll see two corridors are in Missouri. A good portion of one of the marine corridors includes the Missouri River from Kansas City to St. Louis. It is called the M-70 because it will potentially reduce freight truck congestion on Interstate 70. The new M-55 marine corridor includes the Mississippi River, which incorporates St. Louis, and is expected to reduce freight truck congestion along Interstate 55.

These marine highway corridor designations by the USDOT helps a push by MoDOT to increase waterway traffic in order to utilize all forms of transportation to their fullest. MoDOT's freight development unit has been working for close to a year to identify and prioritize strategies to increase freight traffic on Missouri waterways. http://www.modot.org/othertransportation/freight/index.htm

Increasing the usage of waterway shipping will decrease road congestion, harmful emissions, fossil fuel usage and highway maintenance costs. Think about this: one waterway barge holds the same amount of cargo that 15 rail cars and 70 tractor trailers can carry. A common waterway tow down the Missouri River has 15 barges... meaning more than 1000 tractor trailers would get removed from our roads with one simple waterway tow. Less congestion, less air pollution and possibly a less expensive product for the consumer to buy due to cheaper shipping costs. I'm on board with all of that.

Where the Revenue Meets the Road

In the past few years, MoDOT has taken an aggressive approach to sell land it no longer needs for the state's highway system. Everyone benefits from this effort:

• The proceeds from the land sales go to road and bridge projects.
• The property goes back on the tax rolls bringing in local revenue.
• Buyers get land they can develop or use in a variety of ways.
• And, MoDOT is spared maintaining property it no longer needs.

In the last fiscal year, MoDOT conveyed 344 parcels totaling 1,324 acres and generated almost $4.4 million for highway projects. A property blitz in April alone moved 15 properties and brought in almost $1 million for roads and bridges.

Next up for sale are several closed maintenance sites throughout the state and some property near a major project under way in Kansas City - kcICON. Any proceeds generated from the sale of the kcICON parcel will go directly toward paying for the project, which is improving 4.7 miles of interstate near downtown Kansas City.

Visit www.modot.org/realtyforsale for more information on the Realty to Roads program and state property for sale.

MR 340 races past the Bond Bridge in Kansas City

A Fourth of the Way There

When the Route JJ bridge over Richland Creek in Morgan County opened last week, it was the 200th bridge completed under MoDOT's Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program. The milestone means we're a quarter of the way finished with fixing 802 of the state's worst bridges by October 2013.

Fifty-four bridges are under construction, with another 548 remaining to be repaired or replaced. Many of the bridges are being closed completely to speed construction, and this has proven to be an effective plan of action. MoDOT is repairing or replacing a bridge every 2.5 days under the program.

Sobriety checkpoints tonight

Today kicks off Missouri's You Drink & Drive, You Lose campaign, and I will be posting from a checkpoint in St. Louis. Stay tuned for details...

Ten Reasons You Should Be Riding the Missouri River Runner

10. We work 7 days a week; Missouri River Runner operates 7 days a week and it is the coolest ride to the Missouri State Fair; the St. Louis Arch; KC BBQ! Matter of fact, tell us your Amtrak travel story on our facebook page and let us know if we can share it!
9. We sell the best traveling dogs in the state…hotdogs that is, you can eat and ride on our Missouri River Runner.
8. All your friends are doing it; Ridership has been up seven percent from last year.
7. Amtrak’s Customer Service Index indicated that we are third in the nation on their customer service chart, so relax, rest assured we will get you there.
6. Can you say Day trip? You can easily travel with your friends on the Missouri River Runner with a day trip into Washington, Hermann, Warrensburg, Sedalia...!
5. We collect cans! For a program that helps Capitol City Habitat for Humanity and Amtrak build a home for the needy. Read our Press Release.
4. What a view of the Missouri River you’re going to have!
3. Riding Amtrak qualifies you as being "An Earth Air Pollution Avenger" because riding Amtrak will help save us all from air pollution. Wear your title well, hero.
2. You can get your work done while riding; internet hot spots and AC jacks are available in most trains...so unfortunately this will mean you will no longer have any excuse for not getting your work done while traveling for your boss, so now you will have to make up new ones. ;)
1. Be stress free, we will get you there on time! On-time performance is at an average of 92 percent for the year!

Missouri River Runner

New DWI Laws to Sober Drunk Drivers

If you’ve ever had an alcoholic drink or two, you know that it can be a little while before you feel back to normal. Unfortunately, many people still think they can handle themselves after a drink or more and drive. However, sometimes one drink is all it takes to make the difference between life and death behind the wheel.

Beginning next week, new Missouri DWI legislation will crack down on drunk drivers and make Missouri roads safer.

Missouri’s You Drink & Drive, You Lose campaign takes place Aug. 20 through Sept. 6. Law enforcement will participate in statewide sobriety checkpoints and DWI saturation patrols enforcing Missouri’s DWI laws and keeping impaired drivers off the road. At the same time, advertising messages will remind drivers of the consequences of impaired driving.

The new DWI law which goes into effect Aug. 28 will:
• Increase jail time for repeat DWI offenders and those with higher blood alcohol levels
• Move more cases from municipal courts to state courts, where penalties can be tougher
• Mandate better record-keeping for DWI cases so that repeat offenders can be properly tracked; and
• Offer offenders opportunities to participate in a DWI court program that incorporates treatment and close monitoring instead of going to jail.

In 2009, 280 people were killed, 1,140 seriously injured and 3,719 received minor injuries in Missouri crashes involving an impaired driver.

Please remember to hand your keys over if you’ve been drinking, or offer to give someone else a ride if you’re sober. Let’s all get home safely. To learn more about impaired driving and how you can Arrive Alive, visit www.savemolives.com.

First in the Nation - Completed as Promised

Hundreds of people gathered on the new Osage River Bridge today in Tuscumbia, Mo., to celebrate a new bridge that offers a much-needed connection for businesses, travelers, farmers and the military in mid-Missouri. It was truly heart-warming to see people of all ages and backgrounds gathering to celebrate something that links each of us - transportation.

Standing on the new structure, I couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. As the marching band played and the crowd covered their hearts for the national anthem, it was hard not to notice the Depression-era bridge immediately next to us. The difference between the bridge this community had been using every day and the bridge they will now use is striking, and I was happy to be on the wider, smoother, sturdier structure as the ceremony began.

This project was the first in the nation to begin after stimulus funding was approved by President Obama in Feb. 2009. Within minutes, this community began reaping the benefits as sparks flew and work began to replace a crumbling structure with something they can rely on for decades to come. It was a great sight to see this project completed as promised and see the smiles of so many of the Missourians it will serve.

Fabulous, Fantastic Fair Fun!

Become a part of state history when you sign the new
30-foot bridge beam before it's used in an upcoming project.

As of today, it's officially fair time!

With a newly repaired or replaced state bridge opening every 2.5 days, the Missouri Department of Transportation thinks it's cause to celebrate. So MoDOT is offering visitors to the Missouri State Fair a chance to be a part of the historic progress taking place.

Fairgoers will be invited to sign their names to a 30-foot bridge beam that will later become part of the support for a new bridge on Route U over Spring Fork Creek in Pettis County. The beam, about as long as a stretch limo, is four feet wide, almost two feet thick and weighs more than 10 tons.

Check out a great video below of the new beam being put in the place at the highway gardens and see the contrast when it is placed next to an old bridge beam.



Lots of other activities take place the highway gardens and transportation exposition center. The annual No MOre Trash! Day is scheduled for Aug. 13, with special activities that include an appearance by Buttons the Clown, trash can painting, games, snacks and a puppet show. Inside the air-conditioned exposition center you'll find interactive displays featuring games, contests and giveaways. Kids can participate in a scavenger hunt for a chance to win a bike donated by Cecil's Cyclery of Sedalia.

And who would miss their chance to see Barrel Bob up close? Visitors can have their photo taken with Barrel Bob, a piece of art that has become an icon in the Kansas City area, as well as with a cutout of a MoDOT dump truck.

Can't wait to see you there!

Satisfaction

They say there is nothing like a satisfied customer.

MoDOT Interim Director Kevin Keith and members of the Safe & Sound bridge improvement team met three of them last week on a couple of new bridges on Route 127 in Pettis County, south of La Monte.

The two bridges that are just 1,000 feet apart had been been open for less than a week after a 66-day closure. KTU Constructors, MoDOT's design-build contractor for the Safe & Sound program, chose to utilize one road closure to build two new bridges. Their construction schedule called for an 81-day closure -- or roughly equivalent to the typical bridge replacement project.

But KTU was able to finish in 66 days -- 15 days early. In effect, each project took 33 days instead of nearly 90!

Local farmers Charles Reavis and Roy Zeb Thomas and Pettis County Presiding Commissioner Rusty Kahrs couldn't have been happier. Reavis and Thomas both said that the communication with MoDOT prior to the start of construction allowed them to prepare for the closure period. Kahrs explained how important it is to enhance rural infrastructure to support an agriculture-based economy.

Their comments seemed to dovetail with other experiences around the state. It seems that people are willing to accept a little inconvenience to get a new bridge!

Not Even for a Minute

It's a temptation most every parent or caregiver has probably experienced. "I'm just running in for a minute. I'm sure the kids will be okay if I leave them alone in the car. What could possibly happen?"

Fortunately, the vast majority never give in to that temptation. For those who do, the consequences can be devastating. Left alone in a vehicle even for a short time, a child is in danger of dehydration, injury, abduction and death. According to Safe Kids USA, from 1998 to 2009, 443 children died from heat stroke while unattended in a car.

That's why MoDOT and the Children's Trust Fund are teaming up to remind parents and caregivers never to leave children alone in or around vehicles - not even for a minute. MoDOT has placed posters supporting the CTF's Not Even for a Minute public awareness campaign in its 28 rest area locations in Missouri, which are visited by about 20 million people a year. In addition, the department's electronic interstate message boards will carry the reminder through August.

"Keeping Missourians safe is our top priority, and we are pleased to help the Children's Trust Fund remind folks never to leave children alone in or around cars," MoDOT Interim Director Kevin Keith said.

For more information, visit http://www.ctf4kids.org/.