Champions of the Highway

I met some folks this weekend who are experts at the Funky Monkey, the Flying H and the Two-Pole Serpentine. They’re not dances or cooking techniques. Those are the names of some problems built into this year’s obstacle course at the Missouri Truck Driving Championships.

The Missouri Trucking Association calls together dozens and dozens of the state’s best accident-free professional drivers for two days of challenges. The marquee event is a
six-station obstacle course. Everyday driving and delivery skills are tested to the extreme. Supporters roared their support as drivers maneuvered large delivery vans and tractors pulling flatbed, tank and van trailers through obstacles demonstrating tight turns, backing skills, distance estimation and safe operation.

Curious, I started asking drivers about their road history. How long had they been accident-free? Five years, two years, 13 years. One gentleman reported an accident-free career of more than 20 years! He’d driven more than enough miles to backhaul moon rocks.

I asked what caused them worry on the road. Family problems? Schedule deadlines? No.

Other drivers.

Given the chance, they’d beg other highway users to put down the cell phone, stop texting, stop with the mascara, quit reading books (what?) and concentrate on driving.

What else? They want everyone to buckle up and to realize that trucks are big. Big stuff takes time to stop. Big trucks have big blind spots. Big vehicles take time to climb big Missouri hills.

What do professional drivers worry about when they’re on the road?

Your safety.

Rate Our Work Zones

Next time you travel through a work zone on a state highway, take a second to evaluate it. Did you have enough warning that you were approaching the work zone? Were the signs understandable and easy to see? Did you feel safe?

Then when you return home or reach your destination (not in your car, please), go to http://www.modot.org/ let us know how we’re doing. The work zone customer survey gives you a chance to rate our work zones with the goal of making them safer and better.

Since the survey was made available last year, more than 2,000 people have provided feedback and MoDOT work zones are meeting customer expectations 90 percent of the time.

What about that other 10 percent? That other 10 percent is the reason we need your help. Leave your comments and let us know what we can do to improve the work zone. Visit http://www.modot.org/ and click on the Rate Our Work Zones button.

Better Think Twice Before Drinking and Driving in Missouri

It’s never a good time to drink and drive, but this week Governor Nixon is visiting four cities to sign a bill that makes Missouri DWI laws tougher on anyone caught drinking and driving.

Even though common sense tells us all that drinking and driving is a bad idea, many people still do it with devastating consequences. In 2009, 268 people were killed in Missouri and 1,134 seriously injured in crashes involving an impaired driver. I’m sure all those impaired drivers probably thought they were fine to drive. Maybe some of them had only had a drink or two – but that’s the thing, we never know how much is too much or what kind of deadly consequences our actions will have on ourselves or someone else.

House Bill 1695 is designed to change Missouri laws regarding driving while intoxicated. The 16 provisions increase penalties for all levels of drivers under the influence including first time offenders to drivers with multiple DWI infractions.

Although there are many parts of the lengthy bill, the biggest change means that drivers getting pulled over for driving while intoxicated, even for their first offense, will now face jail time. And if you’re a repeat offender and get a third DWI charge, you will go to jail for 30 days instead of 10. It also makes it a class A misdemeanor to refuse to take a blood alcohol content test. All changes begin August 28.

Now more than ever in Missouri, You Drink and Drive. You Lose. To learn more about impaired driving and how you can Arrive Alive, visit http://www.savemolives.com/.

Mr. Maninga Goes to Washington

It's an experience not to be missed.

Erick Maninga, area engineer for MoDOT's District 5 office, has headed to Washington, D.C., for a one-year full-time engineering fellowship with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Engineers nationwide competed for the honor.

The opportunity allows him to bring a Missouri voice to policies and procedures for highway design, maintenance and engineering.

Maninga will be checking in with his Jefferson City office, sharing the perspectives he'll gain about transportation issues on a national level. We look forward to hearing about his experience!

On The Road

Would you like to talk to Missouri Highways and Transportation Commissioners? They might be closer than you think.

The commission is taking to the road, and the remainder of the 2010 monthly meetings will be located in one of seven cities throughout the state.
The commission road tour kicks off June 2 with a meeting at the Lee's Summit City Hall and ends Dec. 1 at the Hyatt Regency in St. Louis.

Here are the other stops along the way:

July 1  --  Missouri Western State University St. Joseph
Aug. 4 --  City Utilities Springfield
Sept. 1   --Hawkins Theatre Shelbina
Oct. 6 --  Ketcham Center Trenton
Nov. 3 --  Country Club Plaza Marriott Kansas City

The commission typically meets in Jefferson City, MoDOT's headquarters, when the state legislature is in session January through May. For the past several years, the commission has taken its business on the road from June to December to offer taxpayers a better voice in transportation issues and to help commissioners be better informed about decisions made for the state.

Learn more about your commission, including meeting agendas and minutes, at http://www.modot.org/.

Do You Know the "No Zone?"

Do you know where the "No Zones" are located around an 18-wheeler? Learning them could save your life.

In a effort to educate the driving public on these over-the-road truck blind spots, Wal Mart worked with MoDOT to set up a special display and presentation, May 28, at the Conway rest area on Interstate 44

"A No Zone is the spot beside a truck where you’re not supposed to be driving," said Dwayne Davidson, Wal-Mart OTR driver and safety promoter. "We want people to be able see these blind spots for themselves and learn how to stay out of them."

To help illustrate these zones, Davidson and fellow driver Mark Henley, set up an 18-wheeler in the Conway rest area just before Memorial Day weekend. The side of the trailer shows visitors exactly where the danger areas are. But to fully get the idea of where these spots eclipse a driver’s line of sight, the pair goes one step further.

"We let people sit in the cab so they can what we see," said Henley. "We actually park cars in the No Zones so folks can see where the blind spots are around the truck."

Davidson imparted one simple rule of thumb for drivers.

"If you can’t see my face in my rearview mirrors, I can’t see you at all," he said.

They two men have been promoting safety for the past three years. To get the message out, they set up displays at rest areas regularly around weekends and holidays. They also will visit schools and other organizations to help people learn how to stay out of the No Zone.

　

Accelerated Innovation

Safe & Sound bridge projects are kicking off across the state. Yesterday, the ribbon was cut on a design-build project completed on Route 61 over Buckeye Creek in Cape Girardeau County. It embodies the goals of the Safe & Sound program by illustrating both flexibility and innovation.

The project was accelerated by one year to accommodate the low weight posting of the previous pony truss bridge. Construction on nearby Interstate 55 that reroutes vehicles over Buckeye Creek meant that an innovative solution was needed quickly.

The pony truss structure was replaced with twin Super Cor structures -- prefabricated metal culverts with concrete retaining walls. It's the first bridge of this type on the Missouri state system. Using the Super Cor components meant the project could be completed more quickly and with less labor.

The picture above shows the demolition of the old pony truss bridge.

The new and improved bridge using the Super Cor structures.

Road Trips: Memorable Versus Miserable

One of the most memorable road trip memories I have is of traveling from Jefferson City to St. Louis for a Cardinals baseball game when my husband and I were first married. We had taken I-70 and were about halfway to St. Louis when we approached slowing traffic that eventually brought us to a dead stop.

It was a hot, summer afternoon and as we sat stalled in traffic due to road resurfacing work, the air conditioner started to sputter and then conked out altogether. After a few minutes, we were both getting a little irritable. Things only got worse when my husband said, "You did remember the tickets, didn't you?" I can still see those tickets lying on the kitchen counter at home.

MoDOT works hard to make sure your trips are memorable, not miserable, but there are still going to be some inconveniences along the way. It's the price we pay for road and bridge improvements. Fortunately, there are tools that can help. MoDOT recently issued a list of 10 work zones to watch out for this summer. In addition, the department's Traveler Information Map provides details about construction work up to a week in advance. Find them at http://www.modot.org/.

These items would have come in handy when my husband and I made that road trip 21 years ago. We might have taken Highway 50 instead and sailed right into St. Louis. But, then again, we wouldn't have nearly as good of a story to tell the kids.

All Aboard, Cardinals Ahead!

There's still time to Catch a Train and Catch a Game!

We were able to catch a train and visit some of the St. Louis Cardinals. Watch some of the Cardinal greats in batting practice below and hear infielder Tyler Greene's message to motorists.



The sweepstakes runs until June 8, and two lucky winners will be selected! 

Click It or Ticket Day and Night

How can we get more Missourians to buckle up?

That was the question on everyone’s mind the past two days at the Missouri Seat Belt Summit where safety experts from around the state gathered in Jefferson City to come up with a strategy for improving Missouri’s seat belt usage rate.

Seat belt use in Missouri has remained relatively unchanged in the last six years and consistently below the national average. Missouri has 77 percent seat belt usage, well below the national average of 84 percent. Missouri’s teen seat belt use is even lower at 61 percent. Seven out of 10 Missourians killed in traffic crashes are unbuckled.

Law enforcement officers will be cracking down on motorists who aren’t wearing seat belts May 24-June 6. The Missouri State Highway Patrol was present at the summit and made it clear that there is ZERO tolerance in Missouri for not wearing your seat belt.

Last year during the two-week Click It or Ticket campaign, 188 law enforcement agencies issued 7,243 seat belt and 243 child restraint violations. During the campaign, law enforcement also issued 10,322 speeding violations and made 375 DWI, 187 felony and 241 drug arrests.

Buckle up and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Wearing your seat belt costs you nothing and not wearing it can cost you everything.

Creative Kids With a Message

Children across Central Missouri got out their art supplies last month to help spread the message to Buckle Up and Arrive Alive.

The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety's Central Region asked children to download a "Buckle Bear" coloring sheet and turn it into a work of art. Almost 200 children sent in their creative works, which were displayed at the Missouri State Capitol Building last week.

If you missed them, keep an eye out - the coalition plans to display them at other locations throughout the central region this summer.

A Better Way to Stay Informed

The latest news in Missouri transportation is easier to access than ever before!

MoDOT's newsroom has been recently redesigned and we think you're going to be impressed by the result. You can quickly and easily watch, read, listen or look at the latest transportation information that affects you.

Up-to-date information includes:

• A video library updated regularly that brings you the most recent MoDOT news stories, PSAs and educational pieces
• Revolving pictures that let you access our Flickr photostream site
• Easy access to all news releases sent statewide or from each district office
• Weekly podcasts from MoDOT Interim Director Kevin Keith
• Quick access to all of our social networking sites

Visit http://www.modot.org/ and look for the Newsroom link in the right-hand column.

A Celebrated Beginning

Yesterday was a big day for bicyclists and pedestrians in central Missouri, and for tourists across the state.

The groundbreaking began for a new Missouri River Bridge attachment that will allow bicyclists and pedestrians to cross the Missouri River on the U.S. 54 eastbound/U.S. 63 northbound bridge, providing easier access to the popular Katy Trail from Jefferson City. This year marks the 20th anniversary for the 225-mile trail crossing the state from St. Charles to Clinton.

The bridge will now be safer for everyone, and will help promote the economy in Jefferson City. Those using the Katy Trail will be more likely to cross the river to enjoy the views and visit the state capital.

The new attachment will be eight feet wide and include two look out points with a view of the Missouri State Capitol Building. A ramp structure will be constructed on the north side of the river to allow access to the katy Trail via the Missouri Department of Conservation public fishing area. The project should take about one year to complete, so mark your calendars for a visit next summer.

Catch a Train, Catch a Game!

Who doesn't love trains and baseball? Sit back, relax and let an American icon take you to enjoy America's favorite pastime.

Amtrak, MoDOT and the Missouri Division of Tourism are partnering to celebrate National Train Day (May 8, 2010) and National Travel and Tourism Week (May 8 - 16, 2010) with the "Catch a Train, Catch a Game" Sweepstakes. Two grand prize winners will be selected, one for a St. Louis Cardinals prize package and one for a Kansas City Royals prize package.

The sweepstakes is open to all U.S. residents 18 years of age or older. No purchase is necessary to win. Enter to win online at http://www.morail.org/ between May 8 and June 8.

Whether you wear a red or a blue hat to the game, we think you'll have a great trip.

May is National Youth Traffic Safety Month

Traffic crashes continue to be the #1 cause of death and injuries for teens in the United States. National Youth Safety Month is held each May by the National Organization for Youth Safety to help spread traffic safety awareness in an effort to change this startling statistic.

In Missouri, one in four Missouri traffic crashes involves a young driver. Between 2007 and 2009, 304 teens (15-19) were killed in traffic crashes. And although there are many reasons for crashes, our biggest concerns for teen motorists are texting and driving, and their failure to wear seat belts.

Last year, Missouri passed a law prohibiting drivers 21 and under from texting, along with a $200 fine if caught. Distracted driving is the leading cause of traffic crashes in Missouri and nationwide and 28 percent of all crashes a year on U.S. highways are caused by drivers using cell phones.

Under Missouri’s Graduated Drivers License Law, seat belt use is required for young drivers. Yet 40 percent of Missouri teens don’t buckle up. You can remind a teen to buckle up by sharing these top 10 reasons for buckling up:
1. I just don’t like the taste of glass.
2. I don’t have a license to fly, yet!
3. I can see the road fine from inside my car.
4. It takes less time to buckle than text message.
5. Road rash isn’t attractive.
6. My head won’t fit in the CD player.
7. It’s not cool to be stone cold dead.
8. My friends won’t look good without me.
9. Wrinkled clothes are better than blood stains!
10. Would a casket be more comfortable?

The Missouri Coalition continues to sponsor various teen programs to help promote highway safety, but we need everyone’s help. You can get more information and send an electronic postcard reminding a teen to buckle up at www.savemolives.com/play/postcard.htm. And please if you know a teen – encourage them to buckle up and put their phone down. Let’s work together to ensure all Missouri teens Arrive Alive.

Tell Us What You Think -- Your Thoughts are Worth a Million!

Have you ever said to yourself, "If I had a million dollars, I would (fill in the blank)"??? The answer is probably, yes, but I'd be willing to bet that if you got your million you wouldn't spend it on building and maintaining the state's roads and bridges. Right?! So that's why we do it for you. Transportation projects are very expensive, and it takes lots of millions to make our state's transportation system as safe and efficient as possible.

Once a year, MoDOT formally sets out a five-year construction program tellling you what you're getting for your money. It's this time of year now, so a formal comment period is under way -- May 5 through June 4. This is a chance to share your thoughts about the kind of transportation system you want in Missouri. The construction program you'll see is a mixture of public input, engineering expertise and money that's available.

You can offer comments at any time throughout the year, so keep the contact information below handy, and if you think of something later while day-dreaming about roads and bridges and other modes of transportation, MoDOT would like to have your input. We have to think ahead quite a few years as it can take some time to plan and build the transportation projects, but it's never too soon to get involved and help make a difference in the future.

Please tell us what you think -- your thoughts are worth a million and sometimes even a billion or so!

MoDOT Customer Service
1-888-ASKMODOT

Twitter
http://twitter.com/modot

Facebook
http://www.modot.mo.gov/facebook/index.htm

Motorcycle Fatalities Decline in 2009

Motorcycle Safety Month is being ushered in with good news for the first time in more than a decade: motorcycle fatalities declined dramatically in 2009 in Missouri and nationwide.

Last year Missouri saw a 21.5 percent decrease in motorcycle fatalities while nationwide fatalities have declined by at least 10 percent.

In an effort to continue this decrease, Missouri is joining with federal, state and local highway safety, law enforcement and motorcycle organizations in proclaiming May 2010 as motorcycle safety awareness month.

As the weather improves, more and more motorcyclists are hitting the roads. Drivers of all vehicles need to be extra attentive and make sure you share the road and everyone Arrives Alive.

In 2009, 85 people were killed in motorcycle crashes. Ten percent of Missouri’s 2009 fatalities involved a motorcycle, and 99 percent of the people who died in crashes involving a motorcycle on Missouri roads were the motorcyclist.

Watch out for motorcycles. They can be small and hard to see. Riders, do you part and wear a helmet and reflective gear. Look. Learn. Arrive Alive.

For more information about motorcycle safety, visit www.savemolives.com/ or the Missouri Motorcycle Safety Program website at www.mmsp.org/.

Get in the Loop! Sign up for E-updates

MoDOT wants you to know what’s going on. We send out press releases, update web pages, print pamphlets and make public appearances to make sure you’re in the loop. The better informed you are, the better we can serve you.
That’s why we created E-updates.
E-updates is an e-mail subscription services that lets you stay in touch with MoDOT locally and statewide. You can subscribe to project information, public announcements, press releases, job openings and even road condition warnings. Want to know how a project will affect traffic during your morning commute? Put a check in the box, we’ll tell you.
The system allows a variety of subscription options. You can subscribe by district, county, route or even by project. Whenever an announcement goes out under your subscriptions, you’ll be one of the first to know.

And if you feel like you’re getting too many announcements, just log on, change your subscription or even delete it if you feel like the service isn’t for you.
E-updates is a tool that empowers you to choose the information you want to know. Get in the loop! Subscribe to E-updates today!

Make Your Car a No Phone Zone

Look in your phone at the last call or text message you received. Is that call or text worth your life?

Take a stand against distracted driving on Friday, April 30 and declare your car a “No Phone Zone.”

A national effort to honor victims of distracted driving, “No Phone Zone Day” will educate and activate Americans to end the deadly driving habits that kill nearly 6,000 Americans a year, according to the National Highway Safety Administration.

Missouri passed a law last year prohibiting drivers 21 and under from texting. The Missouri Legislature is currently looking at expanding the law to all drivers.

All states are asked to take the “No Phone Zone” pledge. By pledging, drivers agree to make their car a “No Phone Zone” and refrain from using their phone while driving, eliminating distractions from incoming calls, texts or e-mails. Go to www.oprah.com/nophonezone to pledge.

Put your phones away while driving. No call or text is worth your life.

For additional information on distracted driving, visit www.saveMOlives.com or http://www.distraction.gov/.

It's Spring Cleaning Time for MoDOT

It’s that time of year. People are spring cleaning and getting rid of things they no longer need or want, and MoDOT is no exception. This week, the department is selling 32 pieces of prime real estate no longer needed to run the state highway system. The parcels, which range in size from a quarter of an acre to 200 acres, will be conveyed by sealed bid or public auction. More information can be found at www.modot.org/realtyforsale.

Selling excess land enables the department to put more money into state highway projects. In fiscal year 2009, MoDOT sold 228 properties, generating more than $4.2 million for state highway improvements.

As an added bonus, the department’s Realty to Roads program is gaining national recognition as a property management model. The Federal Highway Administration has given the program its 2010 Excellence in Right of Way award in the Technical Specialties category.

Safety Net

Sometimes you just need something to catch you.

Like a safety net, median guard cable is making Missouri highways much safer. The steel wire ropes are credited with saving approximately 45 lives each year in the state. With more than 600 miles of cable along Missouri highways, the latest installation has begun on Route 63 between Columbia and Jefferson City.

The video below demonstrates how guard cable stops most vehicles from crossing a median. Check it out and see how guard cables prove their worth as a first line of defense.

MoDOT Doing Its Part to Take Care of the Environment

I was at Wal-Mart the other night and as I got back to my vehicle I found a huge pile of trash sitting in the parking lot next to my car. I guess the people next to us wanted a cleaner car and thought they’d just dump their trash out. Happy Earth Day everyone.

Fortunately, unlike the rude folks who dumped their trash out for others to clean up, MoDOT is quite progressive with everything we do to try to be conscientious about the environment. We recycle everything from paper to signs and all sorts of things in between. We host programs like Adopt-A-Highway and No MOre Trash! We also participate in events around the state when possible to educate people on our various programs and activities.

Today, along with several other state agencies, we participated in Earth Day at the Capitol. We had a large tent on the south lawn of the Capitol, and we handed out about 3,000 tree seedlings to the thousands of visitors who came through our booth. We also talked to folks about how they can get involved with our various programs and asked them to sign a pledge not to litter. We even had a few games to entertain and educate the younger visitors coming through.

The video below gives you a peek into our Earth Day fun. I encourage everyone to get out and try to make a difference. April is No More Trash! month and there’s still time for you to get out there and help clean up our state. Let’s all work together to make Missouri a more cleaner, beautiful place to live. And if you see someone dumping their trash out, speak up and let them know you don’t appreciate it – or at least get their license plate number and report them. No MOre Trash!

Batty for Earth Day

Here is a story I learned of from our Southwest District Office that just screeches to be told this Earth Day:

Once upon a time ... well, ok, in 2004, there was a cave in McDonald County that was becoming popular for curious people - a little too popular, really. The current residents of the cave, such as bats and salamanders, were struggling to survive due to frequent visits from humans. The cave also wasn't considered structurally sound for explorers.

MoDOT heeded the recommendation from the Missouri Department of Conservation to install a gate -- something to keep people out but allow the bats to come and go freely from their home. The gate also allows the natural stream inside to flow as it has for thousands of years.

"The Conservation Department suggested we use angled steel because bats use sonar to navigate their way," said Senior Biological Specialist Alan Leary. "Sound bounces off the angled steel and guides bats through the gate. Rebar, which isn't angled, would affect the sonar, causing the bats to harm themselves trying to get in or out of the gate. They would leave the cave, thus affecting the cave's ecosystem and environment."

Prior to the gate's installation, the highest number of bats reported in the cave was about 25, mostly the Eastern Pipestrelle.

Leary said there were also reports of salamander larvae in the cave that probably would not have lived to adulthood because of the human disturbances.

Here comes the happy ending: In January 2010, Leary visited the cave and saw more than 250 Eastern Pipestrelles and four adult Ozark blind salamanders, also known as grotto salamanders.

"MoDOT normally isn't popular with cavers and spelunkers," Leary said, "but I think installing the gate to save the cave and its animals has mended those relationships. And we always like to do positive things for the environment."

And they lived happily ever after. Happy Earth Day!

Working Together for Work Zone Safety

MoDOT and Missouri State Highway Patrol team up to keep work zones safe for everyone. Watch Trooper Kyle Green as he stops motorists that have been speeding in a work zone.

Working together, MoDOT and the MSHP show you why it is so important to stay alert and pay attention while driving in a work zone.

What Have I Done?

Click Here to Watch Video

One second of inattention -- that all it takes. In a work zone, that may mean a hefty fine, but it can also be much worse. It can mean a tragedy that can't be replayed and can't be erased.

The video above reminds drivers why they shouldn't barrel through work zones. It features a motorist after he's been in a crash in a work zone. His ordinary commute home turns into a nightmare when he realizes that what he crashed into was a person.

Last year in Missouri, 13 people were killed in work zones, an increase from 2008 when 12 people were killed. During Work Zone Awareness Week this week, MoDOT will remind motorists of the need for safe driving in other ways, too -- you'll hear radio spots, see internet banner ads and see reminders on fuel pump tops at various gas stations.

The video makes you realize the tragedy that any one of us could cause in just a second.

Drive Smart. Arrive Alive.

Driver Arrested After Unbelted Passenger Dies in Work Zone Crash

A driver has been arrested for vehicular homicide because his unbelted passenger was killed in an early-morning traffic crash in a work zone Monday in the state of Washington. According to the Seattle Times, just after midnight Monday, the driver and his passenger were heading south on Interstate 5 when they crashed through several barrels in a work zone, and slammed into the back of a parked transportation department pickup. And although the driver was belted and he survived, he could pay with the rest of his life for allowing his passenger to ride unbelted.

This story hits close to home, because even though it took place in Washington and not Missouri, it touches on two traffic issues in our state that affect us all: work zones and seat belts. And this situation is especially poignant right now because April 19 kicks off work zone awareness week, which means you’ll be seeing orange barrels all over the state soon.

And unfortunately, crashes in work zones happen more than you may think. In fact, in 2009 there were almost 2,200 crashes in Missouri work zones. Thirteen people were killed in these crashes and another 670 injured. Between 2005 and 2009, 64 people were killed and 4,260 people were injured in Missouri work zones.

Although there are various reasons for work zone crashes like inattention, following too closely, improper lane usage/change, too fast for conditions and failure to yield – the main reason traffic fatalities are so high is because motorists don’t buckle up. In 2009, of the 878 total traffic fatalities, 693 were vehicle occupant fatalities and 67 percent of them were not wearing a seat belt.

I don’t let anyone ride in my vehicle unless they are buckled, period. And I pay attention and follow the signs in work zones. If we all remembered these few rules, we’d have fewer families mourning the loss of loved ones. So remember, Buckle up and Don’t Barrel Through Work Zones. Arrive Alive.

One Million and Counting...

Kansas City's Interstate 29/35 Bond Bridge Project On Time, On Budget

MoDOT Director Pete Rahn joined the kcIcon Project Community Advisory Group, Workforce Development Committee members, and the Paseo Corridor Constructors contractor team to speak last week about the fantastic record of the kcICON project.

One million design and construction man-hours have been logged to date.

The iconic 316-foot center pylon is complete, with eight of its 40 stay cables already in place. Another cool feature of this project coming up is a continuous 134-foot-wide bridge deck concrete pour -- that's the single widest in the history of MoDOT projects!

The kcICON project has supported jobs and economic growth for the city. Seventy minority, female and economically disadvantaged On-The-Job Trainees have contributed about 63,000 hours to the project, gaining valuable training for long-term careers in construction.

The $245 million project is 67 percent complete, keeping it on schedule for completion by July of next year. Check http://www.kcicon.com/ to keep up with the latest on this project. Add it as a favorite - you won't want to miss out on the many interesting features of this project.

On Track for Safety

We welcome Rail Safety Week April 11-17 in Missouri!

Reducing injuries and fatalities and increasing awareness of Rail Safety are two focus points during Rail Safety Week. Governor Jay Nixon and MoDOT are delivering the message to Stay Off, Stay Away and Stay Alive!

MoDOT, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, other law enforcement, and Operation Lifesaver representatives will be in various locations during the week to educate the public and promote safety at highway-rail crossings. This positive enforcement outreach is to help reduce highway-rail crossings fatalities and injuries.

The video below shares some tips for how you can be safe around railroad tracks and at crossings:



MoDOT Director Pete Rahn has also made rail safety the subject of his podcast this week.

There are a few rules that can help eliminate tragedies on the tracks:
1. Never walk on railroad property.
2. Cross railroad tracks only at a designated crossing.
3. Never race a train to the crossing.
4. Get out if your vehicle stalls on or near the tracks, and then quickly move away from the tracks in the direction the train is coming from.
5. If you are at a multiple track crossing, watch out for a second train from either direction.
6. Never drive or walk around lowered railroad gates.

Want to know more?
USA Today article on Rail Road Safety
www.Facebook.com/MissouriRiverRunner
http://www.twitter.com/MoRiverRunner
http://www.morail.org/

Be Safe!

Stay Off, Stay Away and Stay Alive!

Yellow just isn’t my color, so I avoid wearing it at all costs. Today was an exception. I proudly donned a bright yellow safety vest for a very important cause – Rail Safety Week.

Standing about 75 feet from a highway-rail crossing, I was one of seven volunteers sharing railroad safety tips with motorists passing by Militia Drive and Algoa Road in Jefferson City. One passerby wisely stated, “Cars and trains don’t mix!” For another, the safety message hit home as he shared that he had known two people who had died in collisions with trains.

Fatalities at highway-rail crossings and on or around railroad property are senseless and can easily be avoided. Help us eliminate tragedies on the tracks. Stay Off, Stay Away and Stay Alive!

Paving a Better Way

Not too hot, not too cold... but just right. That's what many road paving crews and transportation officials think about a fairly-new road technology called warm-mix asphalt. I hadn't heard of the stuff until recently, and to be honest, I never aggressively investigated warm-mix asphalt either. What could have possibly changed in the asphalt world that would transform the way we think about paving roads?
I was quite impressed with what I found when I visited the latest warm-mix paving job in St. Louis. Turns out the asphalt world is spinning in a wonderful direction that lengthens a road’s life, helps the environment and saves money too.

When I arrived at the work site I immediately noticed the absence of pungent smells and odors created when paving work is traditionally done. Work zones involving asphalt are typically hot with thick emission-filled air ... this one wasn't. With warm-mix asphalt, the temperature needed for production is reduced by up to 100 degrees. With the decreased production temperature comes lower emissions from burning fuels, fumes, and odors generated at the plant and at the paving site.

I found out that using warm-mix asphalt helps extend the life of roads too. Lower temperatures during asphalt production allows for better pavement density, which determines the durability and strength of the road. Because warm-mix asphalt strengthens the pavement, it prevents water from seeping in – the main culprit for potholes!

MoDOT used about 500,000 tons of warm-mix asphalt on Missouri highways in 2009, which is about 13 percent of the total amount of asphalt used. I'm told these numbers will increase dramatically in the next five years. I hope so. Saving money and our environment, while keeping roads stronger for longer, just makes sense.

Guard Cable in Mid-Missouri a Welcome Improvement

Good news for mid-Missouri as installation of median guard cable began today along Route 63 between Columbia and Jefferson City. In total MoDOT will spend $2.3 million to place the cable along the 25-mile route that more than 24,000 vehicles travel daily.

I have traveled this stretch of highway more times than I can count, and I am relieved to know guard cable will be coming to help improve safety by reducing crashes, injuries and fatalities. During bad weather, I’ve personally seen how effective cable is at stopping vehicles and this will be a wonderful improvement for everyone who travels this route.

Median guard cable, made of three strands of steel cable, is designed to "catch" a vehicle before it crosses into the opposing traffic lanes, bringing it to a stop before it collides with other vehicles. It's generally used where medians are 60 feet wide or less.

MoDOT began using guard cable in 2002 on interstates 70 and 44 and has since installed more than 600 miles of cable in the medians of the state's busiest highways.

A study completed on Interstate 70 showed that guard cable succeeded in stopping cars from crossing into the opposing lanes of traffic more than 98 percent of the time. And, while guard cables are not designed to prevent large vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, from crossing the median, there have been numerous cases where the stretchable cable has kept large vehicles from entering the opposing lane of traffic.

One southbound lane of Route 63 will be closed to traffic during the work, which will take place between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Crews will work on a four-mile stretch at a time, beginning at Route H in Boone County and working south to Callaway County.

Only Trash Litters

These cans are cool!! More than 820 elementary and middle school students spent some time this winter making trash cans look like…. Well, not like trash cans! They painted, pasted, molded and bedazzled their trash cans all in the name of getting people to notice the place for trash is in the CAN.

The kids were working to win prizes ranging from $100 to $500 cash in the 2010 “Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter Free” trashcan-decorating contest.

Heather Reary’s first-grade class at Potosi Elementary School won first place for the grade K-2 category, and was selected as the grand-prize winner. Their prizes include a trophy, a $100 check and a $500 check. For photos, go to: www.mdc.mo.gov/news/images/fullsize/20100402-4.jpg and www.mdc.mo.gov/news/images/fullsize/20100402-3.jpg.

Reary explained that her first-grade students selected a theme of “SHOW ME CLEAN! Don’t be a litterbug!” They used paint, markers, pipe cleaners and recycled paper to create the bug-themed trashcan, which is displayed near the front door of the school.

Kimberly Murphy’s fourth and fifth graders at Kingston K-14 won $100 for first place in the grade 3-5 category. For a photo, go to www.mdc.mo.gov/news/images/fullsize/20100402-1.jpg.

Murphy said her students selected a theme of “NoMO Trash in Missouri” and created a trashcan robot named Mr. RoMO to represent the 21st century. Students used tinfoil, used tart and cake pans, scrap construction paper and Styrofoam to create the robot-themed trashcan. The can is displayed at the main entrance of the elementary building.

Marj Locker’s seventh-grade art class at Southwest Livingston County R-1 won $100 for their first place finish in the grade 6-8 category. For a photo, go to www.mdc.mo.gov/news/images/fullsize/20100402-2.jpg.

Locker ‘s class chose to, “Help Bessie Keep the Pastures Clean,” and refurbished a trashcan using paper mache to look like a sitting Holstein cow. Students painted the paper mache and added pink pipe cleaners for eyelashes and a cowbell with the recycle symbol. Bessie sits near the school cafeteria.

Thank you again to all who entered and congrats to all who won. Please put litter in it’s place. No More Trash!!

Work Zones: What's Your Definition?

How would you describe a work zone? Some motorists might define it as an area where roads are being fixed or improved. Others may list it as merely an aggravation that makes them a few minutes late. And someone like my little boy would probably tell me it's where he can watch the neat trucks.

For many MoDOT employees, a work zone is simply their office. Maintenance Worker Ray Waters offers this description:

"Imagine standing on the roadway so close to passing cars that you can almost reach out and touch one. To complicate things, consider hearing so much background noise from the work that is underway that you can’t even hear a vehicle as it approaches. Instead you must stay constantly aware of your surroundings and rely on your co-workers to help keep a close eye on traffic."

Ray is not a stranger to close calls. Hear his story about how he almost didn't make it home from his office one day.



Drive Smart. Arrive Alive.

A Great Time To Be Orange

This week most of us have finally been able to pull out some spring clothes and notice some tulip plants peeking through the ground. Things just get more colorful with spring in the air, and for MoDOT, that color is orange.

The warmer weather brings more work zones, and it's more important then ever that you're traveling safely through them.

One of the ways MoDOT gets your attention for work zone safety is through Operation Orange, our signature effort to turn significant Missouri landmarks orange. That's right, Orange! More than 70 buildings and landmarks throughout the state sported orange last year to highlight the need to drive safely in work zones.

Join us! Show your spring glow and sign up to be a part of a growing list of influential participants by going orange during National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week April 19-23. Together we can make our efforts bigger, better and ORANGER than ever before and help save lives.

Check out the video on our Operation Orange page to see some of the landmarks close to you that took on a fresh orange glow last year.

Prepare Yourself for that Split Second

It only takes a split second for your tires to drop off the roadway and your life to flash before your eyes. That’s what happened to a friend of mine and her two children recently while they were out in their vehicle not far from home and ended up in a run-off road crash.

When a car runs off the road, many drivers panic and overcorrect causing the driver to lose control of the car. My friend lost control of her sports utility vehicle and ended up flipping it. Thankfully, everyone was buckled and the kids came out without any injuries at all while she only had a broken collarbone. While we all think we’re good drivers, a crash can happen anytime, so it’s better to be prepared.

Run-off-road crashes are a big concern in Missouri. In fact, they attribute to 50 percent of all traffic fatalities. Luckily, a new public service announcement from the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety aims to educate the public on how to recover from run-off-the-road crashes without overcorrecting. Both the 30-second PSA and a two-minute instructional video are available at http://www.savemolives.com/.

The trick to protecting your life and the lives of others in these crashes is: • Remain calm; don’t panic and overcorrect. • Keep a firm grip on the wheel. • Ease off the gas and stay off brake. • Turn your wheel 1/8th turn to the left. • When you feel your tires hit pavement again, turn wheel 1/4 turn to the right. • Now breathe. You just prevented a run-off-road crash. http://www.savemolives.com/programs/video/30secOffRoadWeb.wmv

MoDOT Upgrades Mobile Web Presence

First of all, if you're reading this while driving, put down your phone. While we want you to know about MoDOT's new mobile Web site for people on the go, we don't want you to try it out when you should be focusing on driving.

Here's what's going on. While a lot of "smart phones" can view MoDOT’s Web site just fine right now, many devices still have trouble. To make it easier for everyone, we’re offering two options. When you go to MoDOT.org on your mobile device, you'll now see six simple buttons instead of the whole Web site with all its links and images. The buttons link you to Gateway Guide, Kansas City Scout, a statewide road conditions text report, career opportunities, a form to report a road concern and a site where you can contact us. You can tap on what you want to see and not have to expand the page, zoom in or fiddle with tiny links.

On the other hand, if you’re one of those folks who has no problem with all that stuff and want the site the way it used to be, just click on "Full HTML" at the bottom. You’ll go back to site the way it was before.

A Big Start to Spring

With the arrival of spring comes the beginning of the MoDOT construction season, and for the Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program, every week of good weather is spawning more and more bridge projects.

Last year, 121 bridges across the state were improved. Three more have already reopened in 2010. There will be more than 200 projects this year as MoDOT's design-build contractor -- KTU Constructors -- makes its first big foray into the field. KTU plans to build 150 new bridges this year, while MoDOT manages another 50 rehabilitation projects. By the end of 2013, 802 of Missouri's poorest bridges will have been repaired or replaced.

MoDOT's contract with KTU requires that they average 45-day closures for the 554 bridge replacements they are delivering. That's twice as fast as the normal pace for a bridge project! KTU built four new bridges in the fall to test their design and construction strategies that will bring speed to the program.

Over the winter, KTU was busy establishing regional offices in Lee's Summit, Bethany, Chillicothe, Sedalia and Benton -- nearby the areas where much of this year's work will take place. They completed bridge designs and put packages of bridges out for bid with Missouri sub-contractors who will perform much of the work. They also have suppliers busy fabricating pre-cast beams that will be used in this year's projects.

To help motorists stay abreast of the construction schedule and to navigate around these projects, MoDOT has created an interactive Web map that includes suggested detour routes, project details and schedule information -- http://safeandsoundmap.modot.mo.gov/sas.htm.

The color-coded map shows bridges that are under construction, those that have been completed, those that are to begin with three months, those that are to start in the next year, and those that are scheduled for construction in 2011-12-13.

All Aboard!

Amtrak Rider Karen French has seen a noticeable improvement in her Amtrak ride. While in the past she found herself always late to meetings because of late train arrivals, she has now been reaching her destination on time.

"The train is really an advantage for me, and by being on schedule is great," said French.

Since November 2009, and for the first time in history, Amtrak and MoDOT can announce 100 percent on-time performances for Missouri River Runner trains connecting Kansas City and St. Louis. This has been made possible due to rail improvements made just west of California, Mo.

Check out the video “Amtrak on Time”  below or on MoDOT’s YouTube site to visit with passengers and long-time Amtrak users who have seen instant benefits, and learn about how ridership has dramatically increased with the positive changes.

All Aboard!

MoDOT Brings News and Traffic Info Front and Center

We have some new and exciting features on our homepage.

For starters, you'll see links to real-time traffic sites including Gateway Guide, Kansas City Scout and Ozarks Traffic. Similar links will spring up as we add cameras and content to other parts of the state. These sites give drivers current info on traffic speeds, incident reports and road conditions so they can better manage their drive times.

We’ve also put a sharper focus on news items. While we had a little box off to the right that linked to press releases, we now have a bigger presence front and center of the home page. Visitors will also be able to watch videos and listen to audio files related to news items.

Let us know what you think and how we can continue to get important Missouri transportation news to you!

When You Hear the Click

Under Missouri’s Graduated Drivers License Law, seat belt use is required for young drivers. Unfortunately 40 percent of Missouri teens still don’t buckle up. Starting today and continuing through the end of the month, law enforcement will issue tickets to unbuckled drivers.

So why aren’t teens buckling up? A Southern Boone High School student says, “I just don't see it as the most important thing. I think there are other things you can do to avoid a crash.” Do you think the 304 teens killed in traffic crashes over the past three years thought the same thing?

Wearing a seat belt isn’t going to help you prevent a crash. It will, however, greatly increase your odds of surviving a crash. One in four Missouri traffic crashes involves a young driver, and seven out of 10 teens killed in traffic crashes are unbuckled.

Wear your seat belt every time you get in your car. It doesn’t matter if you’re going across town or to another state. It is one of the easiest ways you can protect yourself. Don’t wait until you are in a crash to realize it’s too late. Buckle up and Arrive Alive.

Moving down the Missouri River... Again!

Six thousand tons of fertilizer on top of four barges began its Missouri River trek from St. Louis to Brunswick, Mo. on Thursday morning. In previous years, especially over the past eight, most who would hear or read this news would probably say that can't be true. Well, believe it!

Since 2002, drought and low water levels basically shut down shipping on the Missouri River corridor -- in fact, river traffic became almost non-existent because water levels were so low. Well, for the start of the 2010, water levels are back up! Thanks to healthier water levels, this large 6,000-ton load of fertilizer is signifying the start of what many hope will be a very prosperous waterway shipping year.

Moving freight on the Missouri River provides many advantages compared to moving freight in other modes. The most immediate include cost savings and reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions. For example, it costs .72 cents per ton, per mile, on a barge to ship commodities or products -- compared to more than 26 cents per ton, per mile, for semi-truck trailers to move freight.

One barge full of freight on the Missouri River roughly equals the same amount of cargo found inside 70 semi-truck trailers. That's an impressive amount of gas and emissions saved.

I would say it's a great early start to the Missouri River shipping season when you can move so much cargo with just one waterway shipment. Hopefully many more will follow.

MoDOT's Five Year Direction

The following text is today's script of Director Pete Rahn's weekly podcast. It carries an especially important message regarding a new direction for MoDOT as we face severe funding challenges ahead. You may also listen here. A video of Rahn's full presentation to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission is also available on MoDOT's Web site at http://www.modot.org/.

Over the past five years, MoDOT has made great strides improving Missouri’s transportation system and rebuilding trust with the people we serve. Now, 86 percent of our major roads are in good condition. Overall satisfaction with MoDOT is at 85 percent and 89 percent of Missourians trust us to do what we say we will do.

However, over the next five years, we are faced with a great challenge. Our construction program is declining due to stagnant state revenues, uncertain federal funding, rising costs from employee benefits and no more money coming from Amendment 3 mandated bonds.

Our plan for the next five years is to focus on keeping our existing transportation system in good shape rather than building new highways, bridges and other facilities. We are also committed to meeting all commitments made in the five-year Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.

It won’t be easy and it will require MoDOT to make tough decisions. By reducing the size of our workforce and changing the way we do business we will save more than $200 million over the next five years. Internally, that will mean an immediate hiring freeze on most positions that become vacant, reducing the number of offices and buildings we own and reducing administrative costs.

There also will be reductions that are more visible to you. Mowing and litter pickup activities will be reduced and signs will be replaced less frequently. We will find a less expensive way to do striping, reduce our use of consultants and use shorter-term pavement treatments.

These actions are not taken lightly, but they are necessary. Your Department of Transportation will rise to the challenge. We are fully committed to keeping the existing transportation system in good condition and maintaining your trust and satisfaction with the department at the current high levels or higher.

Let's Pick It Up

Let’s Pick It Up

Have you heard the song “I Got a Feelin” by the Black-Eyed Peas? Whether you’ve heard it or not, whether you like the band or the lyrics, surely you’d agree that the thumpin, beat makes you want to get up and dance or maybe pick up some litter?

All winter long we drive Missouri’s roads and see it. It’s in the grass, on the river banks, in the ditches, it’s everywhere, and it’s disgusting. Luckily, April brings warmer weather and the annual No More Trash! Bash in Missouri, so let’s all jump off that sofa and pick it up!

In 2009, more than 10,000 volunteers collected more than 111,134 bags of trash throughout Missouri, 26,659 bags more than last year. MoDOT crews, Adopt-A-Highway volunteers, incarcerated personnel, Department of Conservation staff and Stream Teams combined to make our roadsides more attractive. Many others also participated in litter-prevention educational events

Some things you might consider for April:
• Pick up litter
• Educate others about litter
• Conduct a litter-free activity
• Encourage friends and family to participate
Please report your activity to us by May 15 and we’ll send you a No More Trash Bash lapel pin.

If you are already pitching in and cleaning up, thank you.

I got a feelin that Missouri is going to be cleaner than ever this April. Help us pick it up and make Missouri litter free!

MoDOT Property Sales = $$ For Roads and Bridges

Garage sales are a great way to get rid of stuff you don’t want anymore but that might be worth something to someone else. MoDOT recently held a garage sale of sorts to dispose of property it’s no longer using to build or maintain the state’s highway system.

The agency advertised 21 highly marketable pieces of property for sale by auction or sealed bid over a five-day period. The realty blitz not only brought in $676,739 that will be used for road and bridge projects, it transferred idle land in the state’s inventory to interested property buyers.

Because the effort was so successful, MoDOT will hold a second sales blitz from April 26-30. Thirty-two pieces of property ranging in size from a quarter of an acre to 200 acres will be offered for sale to the public at that time. More information can be found at www.modot.org/realtyforsale.