Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk
JEFFERSON CITY - Kickoff your Super Bowl Party this year by tossing your keys to a sober driver before you throw one back.
Super Bowl Sunday is one of America's largest and most entertaining national sporting events, with many friends and families gathering to watch the big game. It is also one of the nation's most dangerous days on the roads, due to drinking and driving.
Last year in Missouri, there were three fatal crashes and two disabling injury crashes involving impaired driving on Super Bowl Sunday. This year, make the right call and help prevent those unnecessary deaths and injuries.
"If you are on the roads Super Bowl Sunday, be safe and make smart decisions," said Leanna Depue, director of the Highway Safety Division with the Missouri Department of Transportation. "Designate a sober driver and Buckle Up to Arrive Alive."
The National Highway Safety Administration reports that young males, ages 21 to 34, are most likely to be involved in automobile crashes, to drive while impaired and be among those least likely to wear their safety belts. Research also shows that the same group is the core audience for major sporting events like the Super Bowl.
Be a responsible Super Bowl host or guest by following these tips:
· Make sure all guests have a designated driver.
· Find unique ways to recognize designated drivers at your party.
· Serve plenty of food and include soft drinks, juice and water.
· Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game.
· Have the numbers of local cab companies at hand.
· Take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.
· Only serve alcohol to guests over 21 years of age.
Be responsible at a Super Bowl party:
· Toss your keys to a designated driver before the game.
· Bring the numbers for local cab companies.
· Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast.
· Don't let your friends drive impaired.
· Always buckle up - it's your best defense against other impaired drivers.
Remember, Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk. For more information on safety belts or impaired driving, visit www.saveMOlives.com.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Move It: State Makes Push to Remind Drivers of Traffic Law
JEFFERSON CITY - If you're involved in a minor traffic crash, one of the first thoughts you might have is whether or not you should move your vehicle. The answer is yes.
A state law that took effect 10 years ago requires vehicles involved in minor, non-injury crashes to move off the road. The Missouri Department of Transportation is using the 10-year anniversary to remind motorists to "steer it and clear it" to ensure minor traffic crashes don't turn into major pileups. The agency is also putting up signs in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas with the "steer it and clear it" message.
"If you're involved in a minor traffic crash and there aren't any injuries, you need to move your vehicle onto the shoulder or other nearby location off of the roadway," MoDOT Director Pete Rahn said. "Every minute a vehicle stops on the freeway and blocks one lane of traffic, it backs up approaching traffic for four minutes."
Rahn said the law - known as the "Move It" law - also helps reduce the chance of motorists being involved in secondary crashes, which cause 18 percent of fatalities in Missouri.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Commission Awards 35 Safe & Sound Bridge Projects
JEFFERSON CITY - The 35 bridge projects awarded at Thursday's Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission meeting brings to 50 the total number of bridge projects under contract as part of the state's Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program.
The initiative, the largest bridge improvement program in state history, will repair or replace 802 of Missouri's worst bridges in five years.
"We're pleased that within just a few months of launching the Safe & Sound program in September we are able to move ahead with 50 important bridge projects," Missouri Department of Transportation Director Pete Rahn said. "Missourians have told us they want their bridges fixed, and we're working to deliver those improvements as quickly as possible."
The 50 bridges now under contract are all rehabilitation projects, and at least 50 more will be put out for bids in the coming months. MoDOT expects to award 554 bridge replacements this spring as part of a single design-build package. Three teams are competing for the contract.
A complete list of all the bridges in the Safe & Sound program and other information can be found on the MoDOT Web site at www.modot.org/safeandsound.
Dave Nichols, MoDOT's director of program delivery, reported that bids on the projects awarded at the Jan. 8 commission meeting came in almost 18 percent under budget for a $9.2 million savings. So far in fiscal year 2009, MoDOT has awarded 144 projects at 9.4 percent under budget for a $34 million savings.
Editor's note: Soundbites on this topic can be found on the MoDOT newsroom at www.modot.org/newsroom.
Traffic Fatalities Reduced for Third Straight Year 2008 Traffic Fatalities Down 5 Percent
JEFFERSON CITY -- For the third straight year, precious lives were saved from traffic crashes on Missouri roads. Preliminary fatality reports show a continuing downward trend from 2005 to 2008 due to the combined efforts of highway safety advocates in the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety.
"If the current reduction in traffic fatalities continues over the next few years, we will be on track to meet our goal of 850 traffic fatalities by 2012," said Leanna Depue, chair for the coalition's executive committee. "We'd ultimately like that number to be zero, but a third straight year of reducing fatalities is a step in the right direction."
In 2007, Missouri recorded fewer than 1,000 fatalities for the first time in more than 15 years. This allowed the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety to meet an ambitious goal one year early with traffic fatalities falling to less than 1,000, at 992. In October 2008, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety announced a new goal for traffic fatality reductions at 850 or less by 2012. The last time Missouri reached less than 850 fatalities was 1949.
One of the top strategies for meeting the new goal is strengthening Missouri's seat belt law to allow for primary enforcement. Unfortunately, early reports show that 479 of the people killed in traffic crashes in 2008 were not wearing their seat belts. A 2008 survey reported only 76 percent of Missourians are buckling up. The state's rate has been at a plateau since 2004 and remains consistently below the national average of 83 percent. In the past three years, nearly seven out of ten vehicle occupants killed in Missouri traffic crashes were not wearing their seat belt.
"Your seatbelt is your lifeline and your single best defense in any traffic crash," said Depue. "A primary seat belt law in Missouri would increase the usage rate saving 90 lives and preventing 1,000 serious injuries in the first year it goes into effect."
Amending the current law will also provide $16 - $20 million in a one-time federal incentive grant to use for safety enforcement, education and engineering. 2009 is the last year this grant is available.
Of more than 500 Missouri traffic laws, the current safety belt law is the only one that has a secondary enforcement provision - a driver must be stopped for another reason before they can be cited for a safety belt violation.
Other measures aimed at decreasing fatalities and serious injuries include continued improvements in engineering, law enforcement and public education.
For more information visit http://www.savemolives.com/. Buckle Up to Arrive Alive.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
MoDOT Plays Important Role in Finding Missing Persons
JEFFERSON CITY - It's something no parent should have to face - a missing child. Yet it is a reality and MoDOT plays a vital role in helping find abducted children and other missing persons.
When an Amber Alert is issued, MoDOT posts the information on 60 rural electronic message boards on Interstates 70, 44, 55, 29 and 35 and on U.S. Route 60. MoDOT traffic management centers in St. Louis and Kansas City also disseminate the information on their 82 boards in the urban areas when not in use for critical travel information. On Jan. 13, the message boards will highlight Amber Alert Awareness Day.
"When a child is abducted, time is of the essence," said Missy Wilbers, traffic management and operations engineer and MoDOT liaison to the Missouri Highway Patrol on Amber Alerts. "Our message boards provide a direct and immediate way to get information about abducted children out to the public so they can be on the lookout."
MoDOT also has placed fliers in rest areas, welcome centers and MoDOT offices promoting the awareness day. The fliers feature the artwork of Rylie White from Lathrop, Mo., the 2007 national missing children's poster contest winner.
The AMBER Plan was created in 1996 as a legacy to nine-year-old Amber Hagerman, who was kidnapped and murdered in Arlington, Texas. The AMBER Alert Plan is a voluntary, cooperative partnership between law-enforcement agencies and broadcasters to activate an emergency bulletin to the public when a child has been abducted and it is believed the child is in danger. Since it was created in 1996, the AMBER Alert program is credited with the successful recovery of 432 children.
Under the AMBER Alert Plan, area radio and television stations interrupt regular programming to air information about the missing child using the Emergency Alert System or EAS (formerly known as the Emergency Broadcast System). That's also when MoDOT's message boards come into play.
In July 2008, MoDOT and the Patrol broadened their efforts to find missing Missourians through a statewide poster campaign called Operation REST - REcovering the LoST. Under the initiative, posters spotlighting missing people are displayed at MoDOT's highway rest areas.
"More than 24 million people visit our rest areas each year, so they provide the perfect sites to distribute information about missing people," MoDOT Director Pete Rahn said. "Public information is crucial to solving missing persons cases. The more public viewing each poster gets, the better the chances of bringing someone home."
When an Amber Alert is issued, MoDOT posts the information on 60 rural electronic message boards on Interstates 70, 44, 55, 29 and 35 and on U.S. Route 60. MoDOT traffic management centers in St. Louis and Kansas City also disseminate the information on their 82 boards in the urban areas when not in use for critical travel information. On Jan. 13, the message boards will highlight Amber Alert Awareness Day.
"When a child is abducted, time is of the essence," said Missy Wilbers, traffic management and operations engineer and MoDOT liaison to the Missouri Highway Patrol on Amber Alerts. "Our message boards provide a direct and immediate way to get information about abducted children out to the public so they can be on the lookout."
MoDOT also has placed fliers in rest areas, welcome centers and MoDOT offices promoting the awareness day. The fliers feature the artwork of Rylie White from Lathrop, Mo., the 2007 national missing children's poster contest winner.
The AMBER Plan was created in 1996 as a legacy to nine-year-old Amber Hagerman, who was kidnapped and murdered in Arlington, Texas. The AMBER Alert Plan is a voluntary, cooperative partnership between law-enforcement agencies and broadcasters to activate an emergency bulletin to the public when a child has been abducted and it is believed the child is in danger. Since it was created in 1996, the AMBER Alert program is credited with the successful recovery of 432 children.
Under the AMBER Alert Plan, area radio and television stations interrupt regular programming to air information about the missing child using the Emergency Alert System or EAS (formerly known as the Emergency Broadcast System). That's also when MoDOT's message boards come into play.
In July 2008, MoDOT and the Patrol broadened their efforts to find missing Missourians through a statewide poster campaign called Operation REST - REcovering the LoST. Under the initiative, posters spotlighting missing people are displayed at MoDOT's highway rest areas.
"More than 24 million people visit our rest areas each year, so they provide the perfect sites to distribute information about missing people," MoDOT Director Pete Rahn said. "Public information is crucial to solving missing persons cases. The more public viewing each poster gets, the better the chances of bringing someone home."
Strengthening Missouri’s Seat Belt Law is MoDOT’s Top Priority for 2009
JEFFERSON CITY - With the Missouri General Assembly convening today, MoDOT announced its top priority for 2009 is to save 90 lives per year by strengthening Missouri's safety belt law to allow for primary enforcement.
Of more than 500 Missouri traffic laws, the current safety belt law is the only one that has a secondary enforcement provision - a driver must break another law first before they can be cited for a safety belt violation.
"You can be pulled over for a cracked taillight, but not for endangering your life and the lives of others by driving without a safety belt," said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn. "Strengthening this law will save 90 lives and prevent 1,000 serious injuries at no cost to Missouri taxpayers. It's the right thing to do, and 2009 is the year to do it."
A 2008 survey shows that 76 percent of Missourians are buckling up - that number is virtually unchanged since 2004 and is consistently below the national average of 83 percent.
Missouri teens are even less likely to buckle up - only 62 percent. Between 2005-2007, 80 percent of teens that died in Missouri traffic crashes were not wearing a seat belt.
Amending the current law will also provide at least $16 million in a one-time federal incentive grant to use for safety enforcement, education and engineering - 2009 is the last year this grant is available.
MoDOT continues to work with the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, a partnership of safety advocates who have banded together to attack the problem of traffic crashes and deaths, to educate Missourians on the need for a primary safety belt law.
For more information on safety belt use and a primary safety belt law, visit the coalition's Web site at http://www.savemolives.com/.
Of more than 500 Missouri traffic laws, the current safety belt law is the only one that has a secondary enforcement provision - a driver must break another law first before they can be cited for a safety belt violation.
"You can be pulled over for a cracked taillight, but not for endangering your life and the lives of others by driving without a safety belt," said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn. "Strengthening this law will save 90 lives and prevent 1,000 serious injuries at no cost to Missouri taxpayers. It's the right thing to do, and 2009 is the year to do it."
A 2008 survey shows that 76 percent of Missourians are buckling up - that number is virtually unchanged since 2004 and is consistently below the national average of 83 percent.
Missouri teens are even less likely to buckle up - only 62 percent. Between 2005-2007, 80 percent of teens that died in Missouri traffic crashes were not wearing a seat belt.
Amending the current law will also provide at least $16 million in a one-time federal incentive grant to use for safety enforcement, education and engineering - 2009 is the last year this grant is available.
MoDOT continues to work with the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, a partnership of safety advocates who have banded together to attack the problem of traffic crashes and deaths, to educate Missourians on the need for a primary safety belt law.
For more information on safety belt use and a primary safety belt law, visit the coalition's Web site at http://www.savemolives.com/.
Truckers Say Missouri Roads are Fifth Best in the Nation
JEFFERSON CITY - Truck drivers have voted Missouri roads as the fifth best in the nation. They also voted Interstate 44 as the fourth most improved highway segment in a tie with Interstate 94 in Illinois. The rankings came from a recent survey conducted by Overdrive magazine, a publication serving the commercial motor carrier industry.
"It wasn't too long ago - 2005 - that our roads ranked second worst in this same survey, and I-44 was named one of the three worst highways in the country," Missouri Department of Transportation Director Pete Rahn said. "We've worked hard to improve our highways in just a few short years, and it's showing. It's great to be recognized by professional drivers who know firsthand what's going on out there on the roads and how important it is to invest in them."
Rahn cited the passage of Constitutional Amendment 3 in November 2004 as one of the key reasons for Missouri's ability to improve its highway system. That measure redirected some highway user funds to MoDOT and allowed the agency to tackle record amounts of construction work in the past few years. As a result, 78 percent of Missouri's major roads are now in good condition.
Rahn also said the agency has begun to focus its efforts on improving the state's transportation system as a whole over the long term, rather than on individual projects.
"It's much more efficient for us to look at the overall picture when we make transportation decisions," Rahn said.
Now the challenge is to keep Missouri roads in good condition, Rahn said. State and federal revenues that fund highway construction and maintenance are lagging because of declining motor vehicle sales and fuel use, while the costs of doing business continue to increase.
Best Roads (from Overdrive Magazine)
1. Texas
2. Florida
3. Georgia, Tennessee (tie)
4. Ohio
5. Missouri
Most Improved Highway Segment
1. I-80, Pennsylvania
2. I-40, Arkansas
3. I-10, Louisiana
4. I-94, Illinois; I-44, Missouri (tie)
5. 1-75, Georgia
"It wasn't too long ago - 2005 - that our roads ranked second worst in this same survey, and I-44 was named one of the three worst highways in the country," Missouri Department of Transportation Director Pete Rahn said. "We've worked hard to improve our highways in just a few short years, and it's showing. It's great to be recognized by professional drivers who know firsthand what's going on out there on the roads and how important it is to invest in them."
Rahn cited the passage of Constitutional Amendment 3 in November 2004 as one of the key reasons for Missouri's ability to improve its highway system. That measure redirected some highway user funds to MoDOT and allowed the agency to tackle record amounts of construction work in the past few years. As a result, 78 percent of Missouri's major roads are now in good condition.
Rahn also said the agency has begun to focus its efforts on improving the state's transportation system as a whole over the long term, rather than on individual projects.
"It's much more efficient for us to look at the overall picture when we make transportation decisions," Rahn said.
Now the challenge is to keep Missouri roads in good condition, Rahn said. State and federal revenues that fund highway construction and maintenance are lagging because of declining motor vehicle sales and fuel use, while the costs of doing business continue to increase.
Best Roads (from Overdrive Magazine)
1. Texas
2. Florida
3. Georgia, Tennessee (tie)
4. Ohio
5. Missouri
Most Improved Highway Segment
1. I-80, Pennsylvania
2. I-40, Arkansas
3. I-10, Louisiana
4. I-94, Illinois; I-44, Missouri (tie)
5. 1-75, Georgia
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Five Finalists Selected in Name the Train Contest
JEFFERSON CITY and ST. LOUIS - One of five finalist names will soon provide the moniker for Amtrak®'s passenger rail service between St. Louis and Kansas City. Those names are Missouri Rail Blazer, Missouri River Runner, River Cities Corridor, ShowMeMO and Truman Service. Online voting begins today and goes through Jan. 23, 2009.
Contest judges selected five finalist names from a pool of more than 8,300 name submissions. In cases where duplicate names were submitted, a random drawing was held to choose a finalist. The finalists are:
· Missouri Rail Blazer - Betty Crancer of Sunset Hills
· Missouri River Runner - Keith Kohler of Glendale
· River Cities Corridor - Richard A. Chenault of Webster Groves
· ShowMeMO - Kerry Simmons of Independence
· Truman Service - John Fernandez of St. Louis
Each of these individuals will receive two round-trip coach tickets to any Amtrak destination in Missouri and a gift basket from one of five participating cities located on the passenger rail line.
The St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, the Washington Chamber of Commerce, the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce and the Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association are providing the gift baskets.
You can cast your vote online at http://www.morail.org/ or mail your favorite finalist name, along with your name and address to MoDOT, Name the Train Contest, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Only one vote per person will be accepted. To be counted, a vote must be received online or in the mail by 4 p.m. Jan. 23. The new name will be announced by Jan. 30, 2009.
"I am amazed and owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the people of Missouri and others all over the country who submitted names for the contest," said Rod Massman, MoDOT's administrator of railroads. "The sheer amount of name submissions went far beyond our expectations. Furthermore, the breadth of names related to Missouri - from Lewis and Clark to Harry Truman to Laura Ingalls Wilder and beyond - showed a great amount of interest in the train service and its future."
The Missouri Department of Transportation and Amtrak are sponsoring the "Name the Train" contest in celebration of 30 years of state-supported passenger rail across Missouri, as well as major service improvements in the works.
Contest judges selected five finalist names from a pool of more than 8,300 name submissions. In cases where duplicate names were submitted, a random drawing was held to choose a finalist. The finalists are:
· Missouri Rail Blazer - Betty Crancer of Sunset Hills
· Missouri River Runner - Keith Kohler of Glendale
· River Cities Corridor - Richard A. Chenault of Webster Groves
· ShowMeMO - Kerry Simmons of Independence
· Truman Service - John Fernandez of St. Louis
Each of these individuals will receive two round-trip coach tickets to any Amtrak destination in Missouri and a gift basket from one of five participating cities located on the passenger rail line.
The St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, the Washington Chamber of Commerce, the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce and the Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association are providing the gift baskets.
You can cast your vote online at http://www.morail.org/ or mail your favorite finalist name, along with your name and address to MoDOT, Name the Train Contest, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Only one vote per person will be accepted. To be counted, a vote must be received online or in the mail by 4 p.m. Jan. 23. The new name will be announced by Jan. 30, 2009.
"I am amazed and owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the people of Missouri and others all over the country who submitted names for the contest," said Rod Massman, MoDOT's administrator of railroads. "The sheer amount of name submissions went far beyond our expectations. Furthermore, the breadth of names related to Missouri - from Lewis and Clark to Harry Truman to Laura Ingalls Wilder and beyond - showed a great amount of interest in the train service and its future."
The Missouri Department of Transportation and Amtrak are sponsoring the "Name the Train" contest in celebration of 30 years of state-supported passenger rail across Missouri, as well as major service improvements in the works.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Drop in Highway Deaths Makes MoDOT’s Year
JEFFERSON CITY – Looking back on 2008, Missouri Department of Transportation Director Pete Rahn said none of the agency’s accomplishments tops the drop in highway deaths the state has experienced.
The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety announced in January that Missouri had reached its goal of 1,000 or fewer deaths one year early. Not since 1993 has the state had fewer than 1,000 fatalities.
“Over the last two years, Missouri has seen a 21 percent decrease in traffic deaths – the second-largest decrease in the nation,” Rahn said. “That means more people are arriving alive and are here to ring in the new year with family and friends.”
MoDOT has worked to provide smoother pavement on the busiest highways, improve striping and signs, install rumble stripes, replace and reposition warning signs on many two-lane roads and install median guard cable on the interstates. That work, along with law enforcement efforts by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and other safety partners and educational activities including Battle of the Belt competitions among high schools and work zone awareness campaigns, helped make Missouri roads safer.
Here are the rest of MoDOT’s top 10 accomplishments for 2008:
2. I-64 closing - Although St. Louisans braced themselves for the worst, the closing of a five-mile stretch of Interstate 64 in the heart of St. Louis went off with few problems. In addition, this portion of the largest construction project in MoDOT history was completed this month two weeks ahead of schedule. When the entire project is finished in 2010, St. Louis will enjoy 10 miles of new, smooth pavement; 30 safer bridges; and a new, safer high-speed interchange at Interstate 170.
3. Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program - In September, MoDOT launched the Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program, which will improve 802 of Missouri's worst bridges in five years.
4. State highway conditions improve - In 2008, 78 percent of the state’s major roads were in good condition compared to 44 percent in 2003. The Reason Foundation ranked Missouri 13th in the nation for state highway system performance. The Pew Center on the States gave Missouri a B+ for infrastructure performance, which beat all but four other states and the 50-state average grade of a B-.
5. More funding for other travel modes - Missouri legislators increased funding for Missouri’s passenger rail, aviation, port and transit travel by a whopping 74 percent in the last legislative session.
6. Emergency response - In April, the Missouri House of Representatives honored MoDOT maintenance crews with a resolution thanking them for keeping Missouri highways clear and safe in the face of record snow, ice, flooding, earthquakes and even frogs.
7. Saving money - By pinching pennies, estimating construction work to the dime and encouraging innovation, MoDOT saved nearly $50 million in 2008 that was used to tackle 36 new highway projects.
8. kcICON - MoDOT broke ground in April on kcICON, a major design-build project that will improve four miles of interstate highway north of downtown Kansas City and build a new landmark, cable-stay Missouri River bridge.
9. Mississippi River Bridge - In February, the governors of Missouri and Illinois announced the two states had reached an agreement on building a new Mississippi River Bridge in St. Louis.
10. Last State of Transportation Address - MoDOT Director Pete Rahn delivered the fifth and final State of Transportation Address to Missouri legislators on Feb. 6. The law authorizing the annual speech contained a five-year sunset clause, which legislators did not extend. “I believe the elimination of this speech sends a clear signal that MoDOT has regained its footing and your trust,” Rahn told legislators. “Five years ago we faced uncertainty, but today there is no doubt - we've come a long way in a short time.”
The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety announced in January that Missouri had reached its goal of 1,000 or fewer deaths one year early. Not since 1993 has the state had fewer than 1,000 fatalities.
“Over the last two years, Missouri has seen a 21 percent decrease in traffic deaths – the second-largest decrease in the nation,” Rahn said. “That means more people are arriving alive and are here to ring in the new year with family and friends.”
MoDOT has worked to provide smoother pavement on the busiest highways, improve striping and signs, install rumble stripes, replace and reposition warning signs on many two-lane roads and install median guard cable on the interstates. That work, along with law enforcement efforts by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and other safety partners and educational activities including Battle of the Belt competitions among high schools and work zone awareness campaigns, helped make Missouri roads safer.
Here are the rest of MoDOT’s top 10 accomplishments for 2008:
2. I-64 closing - Although St. Louisans braced themselves for the worst, the closing of a five-mile stretch of Interstate 64 in the heart of St. Louis went off with few problems. In addition, this portion of the largest construction project in MoDOT history was completed this month two weeks ahead of schedule. When the entire project is finished in 2010, St. Louis will enjoy 10 miles of new, smooth pavement; 30 safer bridges; and a new, safer high-speed interchange at Interstate 170.
3. Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program - In September, MoDOT launched the Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program, which will improve 802 of Missouri's worst bridges in five years.
4. State highway conditions improve - In 2008, 78 percent of the state’s major roads were in good condition compared to 44 percent in 2003. The Reason Foundation ranked Missouri 13th in the nation for state highway system performance. The Pew Center on the States gave Missouri a B+ for infrastructure performance, which beat all but four other states and the 50-state average grade of a B-.
5. More funding for other travel modes - Missouri legislators increased funding for Missouri’s passenger rail, aviation, port and transit travel by a whopping 74 percent in the last legislative session.
6. Emergency response - In April, the Missouri House of Representatives honored MoDOT maintenance crews with a resolution thanking them for keeping Missouri highways clear and safe in the face of record snow, ice, flooding, earthquakes and even frogs.
7. Saving money - By pinching pennies, estimating construction work to the dime and encouraging innovation, MoDOT saved nearly $50 million in 2008 that was used to tackle 36 new highway projects.
8. kcICON - MoDOT broke ground in April on kcICON, a major design-build project that will improve four miles of interstate highway north of downtown Kansas City and build a new landmark, cable-stay Missouri River bridge.
9. Mississippi River Bridge - In February, the governors of Missouri and Illinois announced the two states had reached an agreement on building a new Mississippi River Bridge in St. Louis.
10. Last State of Transportation Address - MoDOT Director Pete Rahn delivered the fifth and final State of Transportation Address to Missouri legislators on Feb. 6. The law authorizing the annual speech contained a five-year sunset clause, which legislators did not extend. “I believe the elimination of this speech sends a clear signal that MoDOT has regained its footing and your trust,” Rahn told legislators. “Five years ago we faced uncertainty, but today there is no doubt - we've come a long way in a short time.”
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Rahn Invited to be National Journal Contributor
JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri Department of Transportation Director Pete Rahn has joined an impressive list of transportation experts invited by National Journal to participate in a weekly blog on transportation issues. The blog is located at http://transportation.nationaljournal.com/.
National Journal is a Washington, D.C.-based, nonpartisan weekly magazine on public policy and politics. In his first posting, Rahn gave his opinion on how federal economic stimulus funding should be spent on transportation infrastructure.
"Congress and the Obama administration should commit at least $50 billion of a stimulus package to highway and bridge improvements - $25 billion a year for two years," Rahn wrote. "The first-year funds should be redistributed if not under contract within 180 days. The second-year funds should be directed to projects of more substance, but those projects should also be under contract by the end of fiscal year 2009. An additional $20 billion should be committed to multimodal transportation."
National Journal launched the transportation blog Dec. 1 citing the increasing importance of transportation on the Washington agenda. The magazine also offers expert blogs on health care, the economy, and energy and the environment. They can be found at http://www.nationaljournal.com/expertblogs.
Others participating in the transportation blog include California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Transportation, Secretary Mary Peters, former Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, former Department of Transportation Inspector General Kenneth Mead, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, Teamsters President James Hoffa and American Transportation and Road Builders Association President Pete Ruane.
"This is a great opportunity to provide state input into national issues affecting transportation," Rahn said. "I'm honored to be asked to contribute."
National Journal is a Washington, D.C.-based, nonpartisan weekly magazine on public policy and politics. In his first posting, Rahn gave his opinion on how federal economic stimulus funding should be spent on transportation infrastructure.
"Congress and the Obama administration should commit at least $50 billion of a stimulus package to highway and bridge improvements - $25 billion a year for two years," Rahn wrote. "The first-year funds should be redistributed if not under contract within 180 days. The second-year funds should be directed to projects of more substance, but those projects should also be under contract by the end of fiscal year 2009. An additional $20 billion should be committed to multimodal transportation."
National Journal launched the transportation blog Dec. 1 citing the increasing importance of transportation on the Washington agenda. The magazine also offers expert blogs on health care, the economy, and energy and the environment. They can be found at http://www.nationaljournal.com/expertblogs.
Others participating in the transportation blog include California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Transportation, Secretary Mary Peters, former Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, former Department of Transportation Inspector General Kenneth Mead, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, Teamsters President James Hoffa and American Transportation and Road Builders Association President Pete Ruane.
"This is a great opportunity to provide state input into national issues affecting transportation," Rahn said. "I'm honored to be asked to contribute."
Friday, December 5, 2008
MoDOT Ready to Go with Economic Stimulus Projects
Would Create 14,000 Jobs and Return $2.4 Billion to the State's Economy
JEFFERSON CITY - The Missouri Department of Transportation is ready to go with 34 transportation projects that could be awarded within 180 days of passage of an economic stimulus package that contains at least $25 billion for transportation infrastructure investments nationwide. The projects, which would total about $510 million, would create about 14,000 jobs and have a $2.4 billion impact on the state's economy. Given additional funding beyond $510 million, significant portions of four additional highway projects totaling roughly $290 million could be under way in 2009.
MoDOT outlined the road, bridge, air, rail, transit, waterway and pedestrian projects it could readily accomplish at a meeting today of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.
"We stand ready to quickly deliver 34 transportation improvements that would mean jobs, increased safety and a better quality of life for Missourians," MoDOT Director Pete Rahn said. "These are much-needed projects that will benefit Missouri citizens, and we urge Congress to act positively on an economic stimulus package that includes a minimum of $25 billion for transportation infrastructure projects."
Rahn said federal funding for infrastructure projects would have a vital ripple effect. It would create jobs for road builders and designers and demand for related supplies and services, as well as further economic development around the improvements.
"The job creation will go beyond just those building the projects," Rahn said. "Suppliers, retailers, restaurants, hotels and other businesses will benefit."
MoDOT would be ready to go with about $137 million of work on Interstates 70, 44, 55, 35 and 29. Approximately $60 million would go toward fixing the state's lettered routes in rural Missouri. The rest would be used on a variety of transportation projects throughout the state. A complete list of the proposed projects can be found at http://www.modot.org/.
"Under our proposed plan, all forms of travel would benefit, not just highways, and projects would be spread throughout the state to ensure all regions reap some of the economic gain," Rahn said.
Seventeen of the proposed projects are already included in the state's five-year construction program, but would be sped up, some by up to four years. Projects would then be added to the statewide construction program to replace those that were accelerated. Seventeen are new projects that have been identified as regional priorities and on which environmental work and preliminary design are already under way.
Rahn said Congress should not be concerned road and bridge improvements couldn't be put into place fast enough to provide the desired economic relief.
"We know we can award $510 million worth of work or more within 180 days of the stimulus bill's passage, with a considerable amount in less time," Rahn said. "Investing in our infrastructure is the best course of action Congress could take. Not only would it provide an immediate economic shot in the arm, but it would yield the long-term benefits of safer highways and enhanced quality of life."
Rahn said any stimulus package couldn't come too soon. He noted many states have had to delay projects because of the decline in revenue generated by fuel use and motor vehicle sales. While MoDOT has not yet had to postpone or cancel projects, state revenues are down almost 5 percent for the first four months of the fiscal year - about an $18 million decline. If the trend continues, the state could face a $73 million shortfall by the end of the fiscal year.
Editor's note: Here is the list of the proposed projects. The Ready to Go logo can be found at www.modot.org/newsroom. Recorded comments will also be posted on the newsroom site later today, so please check back.
MoDOT's Ready-to-Go Transportation Projects
Adair County, Route 63 - Construct 6 miles of new two-lane roadway on four-lane right of way on east side of Kirksville from Benton Way to southern Route 6 connection. $18 million
Atchison County, Route 136 - Painting, new deck and bridge repairs on Missouri River bridge at Brownville, NE. $9 million
Barry/Lawrence/Christian/Greene Counties, Route 60 - Construct alternating/intermittent passing lanes from east of Chapell Drive in Monett to Kansas Avenue in Republic. $23 million
Barton/Bates Counties, Route 71 - Convert four at-grade intersections at Route 52, Route 126, Routes DD/EE and Routes V/C to interchanges as part of I-49 upgrade. $27 million
Benton County, Routes 83/65/7 - Painting and/or rehabilitation of bridges on Route 83 over Truman Lake near Mockingbird Road; Route 65 over the Osage River near Warsaw; and Route 7 over Truman Lake (Osage Arm Bridge and Grand River Arm Bridge). $19 million
Boone County, Route 63/COLT Railroad - Build railroad bridge over Route 63 north of Route B in Columbia. $9 million
Cape Girardeau County, SEMO Port - Construct new rail line above flood region. $1 million
Clay County, Route 1 - Sidewalk improvements from Vivion Road to 72nd Street. $1.5 million
Clay County, Route 169 - Sidewalk improvements from Route 92 to Route KK. $1.5 million
Clay County, Route 210 - Widen to four lanes from Eldon Road to Route 291. $32 million
Clinton County, Route 35 - Resurface north and southbound lanes from north of Shoal Creek to north of Route 116 near Lathrop. $18 million
Cooper County, Route 70 - Pavement improvements on westbound lanes from 0.3 mile east of Route B to Lamine River. $7 million
Crawford County, Route 44 - Pavement rehabilitation on westbound lanes from 0.6 mile west of Route H to Phelps County line. $2 million
Franklin County, Route 44 - Pavement rehabilitation on eastbound and westbound lanes from Route 30 to east of Bourbeuse River. $44 million
Greene County, Route 65 - Widen to six lanes from I-44 to Route 60 (James River Freeway).$37 million
Jackson County, Route 150 - Widen from two lanes to four lanes from Horridge Road to Route 291. $17 million
Johnson County, Knob Noster Rail Project - Construct 0.86 mile of parallel track near Knob Noster and Route 23. $7 million
Johnson County, Skyhaven Airport - Construct new airport apron. $2 million
Lafayette County, Route 70 - Pavement improvements on eastbound and westbound lanes from
Jackson County line to Odessa. $8 million
Miller County, Route 17 - Replace Osage River bridge 1 mile east of Tuscumbia. $9 million
New Madrid County, New Madrid Port - Construct railroad extension and warehouse.$2 million
Pemiscot County, Route 55 - Pavement rehabilitation on northbound lanes from Arkansas state line to I-155. $11 million
Pemiscot/New Madrid Counties, Route 55 - Pavement rehabilitation on northbound and southbound lanes from I-155 to Scott County. $22 million
Phelps County, Route 44 - Major pavement rehabilitation/reconstruction on westbound lanes from Business Loop 44 (Rolla) to Sugartree Road Interchange. $12 million
Platte County, Route 29 - Resurface pavement and shoulders on northbound and southbound lanes at various locations from Route 273 to Vivion Road. $12 million
St. Charles County 364/94/Page Avenue - Extend Page Avenue from 0.4 mile east of Jungermann to 0.3 mile west of Central School Road. $49 million
St. Louis County, Route 67 - Pedestrian improvements from I-270 to Old St. Charles Road.$1 million
St. Louis County, Route 141 - Add turn and auxiliary lanes from Route 40/I-64 to St. Luke's Hospital Drive in Chesterfield, and Town and Country. $8 million
St. Louis County, Route AC - Pedestrian improvements from Route 67 to I-270. $1 million
Scott County, Sikeston Memorial Municipal Airport - Overlay runway at Sikeston Airport.$3 million
Statewide Minor Routes - Provide 700 to 1,400 miles of pavement improvements to statewide lettered rural routes. $30 - $60 million
Statewide Transit - Purchase 200 public transit vehicles statewide. $10 - $20 million
Taney County, Route 76 - Sidewalk improvements from Roark Valley Road to Gretna.$1 million
Wayne County, Route 34 - Widen, build shoulders and straighten two locations between Route N and Piedmont. $16 million
Given additional funding beyond $510 million, significant portions of these four projects totaling $290 million could be awarded during calendar year 2009.
Jackson County, Route 435/70 Interchange - Construct new half diamond interchange at Route 40/I-435, replace Blue Ridge Cut-off bridge over I-70, add lanes to I-70 and modify some ramps. $32 million
Jefferson County, Route 55 - Add lanes, relocate existing weigh station, replace eight bridges and revise Route M interchange from Route M to Route Z. $68 million
McDonald County, Route 71 - Construct freeway from Pineville to Arkansas state line.$74 million
St. Louis County, Route 141 - Construct Route 141 on relocation from Route 340 to St. Luke's Hospital Drive. $116 million
JEFFERSON CITY - The Missouri Department of Transportation is ready to go with 34 transportation projects that could be awarded within 180 days of passage of an economic stimulus package that contains at least $25 billion for transportation infrastructure investments nationwide. The projects, which would total about $510 million, would create about 14,000 jobs and have a $2.4 billion impact on the state's economy. Given additional funding beyond $510 million, significant portions of four additional highway projects totaling roughly $290 million could be under way in 2009.
MoDOT outlined the road, bridge, air, rail, transit, waterway and pedestrian projects it could readily accomplish at a meeting today of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.
"We stand ready to quickly deliver 34 transportation improvements that would mean jobs, increased safety and a better quality of life for Missourians," MoDOT Director Pete Rahn said. "These are much-needed projects that will benefit Missouri citizens, and we urge Congress to act positively on an economic stimulus package that includes a minimum of $25 billion for transportation infrastructure projects."
Rahn said federal funding for infrastructure projects would have a vital ripple effect. It would create jobs for road builders and designers and demand for related supplies and services, as well as further economic development around the improvements.
"The job creation will go beyond just those building the projects," Rahn said. "Suppliers, retailers, restaurants, hotels and other businesses will benefit."
MoDOT would be ready to go with about $137 million of work on Interstates 70, 44, 55, 35 and 29. Approximately $60 million would go toward fixing the state's lettered routes in rural Missouri. The rest would be used on a variety of transportation projects throughout the state. A complete list of the proposed projects can be found at http://www.modot.org/.
"Under our proposed plan, all forms of travel would benefit, not just highways, and projects would be spread throughout the state to ensure all regions reap some of the economic gain," Rahn said.
Seventeen of the proposed projects are already included in the state's five-year construction program, but would be sped up, some by up to four years. Projects would then be added to the statewide construction program to replace those that were accelerated. Seventeen are new projects that have been identified as regional priorities and on which environmental work and preliminary design are already under way.
Rahn said Congress should not be concerned road and bridge improvements couldn't be put into place fast enough to provide the desired economic relief.
"We know we can award $510 million worth of work or more within 180 days of the stimulus bill's passage, with a considerable amount in less time," Rahn said. "Investing in our infrastructure is the best course of action Congress could take. Not only would it provide an immediate economic shot in the arm, but it would yield the long-term benefits of safer highways and enhanced quality of life."
Rahn said any stimulus package couldn't come too soon. He noted many states have had to delay projects because of the decline in revenue generated by fuel use and motor vehicle sales. While MoDOT has not yet had to postpone or cancel projects, state revenues are down almost 5 percent for the first four months of the fiscal year - about an $18 million decline. If the trend continues, the state could face a $73 million shortfall by the end of the fiscal year.
Editor's note: Here is the list of the proposed projects. The Ready to Go logo can be found at www.modot.org/newsroom. Recorded comments will also be posted on the newsroom site later today, so please check back.
MoDOT's Ready-to-Go Transportation Projects
Adair County, Route 63 - Construct 6 miles of new two-lane roadway on four-lane right of way on east side of Kirksville from Benton Way to southern Route 6 connection. $18 million
Atchison County, Route 136 - Painting, new deck and bridge repairs on Missouri River bridge at Brownville, NE. $9 million
Barry/Lawrence/Christian/Greene Counties, Route 60 - Construct alternating/intermittent passing lanes from east of Chapell Drive in Monett to Kansas Avenue in Republic. $23 million
Barton/Bates Counties, Route 71 - Convert four at-grade intersections at Route 52, Route 126, Routes DD/EE and Routes V/C to interchanges as part of I-49 upgrade. $27 million
Benton County, Routes 83/65/7 - Painting and/or rehabilitation of bridges on Route 83 over Truman Lake near Mockingbird Road; Route 65 over the Osage River near Warsaw; and Route 7 over Truman Lake (Osage Arm Bridge and Grand River Arm Bridge). $19 million
Boone County, Route 63/COLT Railroad - Build railroad bridge over Route 63 north of Route B in Columbia. $9 million
Cape Girardeau County, SEMO Port - Construct new rail line above flood region. $1 million
Clay County, Route 1 - Sidewalk improvements from Vivion Road to 72nd Street. $1.5 million
Clay County, Route 169 - Sidewalk improvements from Route 92 to Route KK. $1.5 million
Clay County, Route 210 - Widen to four lanes from Eldon Road to Route 291. $32 million
Clinton County, Route 35 - Resurface north and southbound lanes from north of Shoal Creek to north of Route 116 near Lathrop. $18 million
Cooper County, Route 70 - Pavement improvements on westbound lanes from 0.3 mile east of Route B to Lamine River. $7 million
Crawford County, Route 44 - Pavement rehabilitation on westbound lanes from 0.6 mile west of Route H to Phelps County line. $2 million
Franklin County, Route 44 - Pavement rehabilitation on eastbound and westbound lanes from Route 30 to east of Bourbeuse River. $44 million
Greene County, Route 65 - Widen to six lanes from I-44 to Route 60 (James River Freeway).$37 million
Jackson County, Route 150 - Widen from two lanes to four lanes from Horridge Road to Route 291. $17 million
Johnson County, Knob Noster Rail Project - Construct 0.86 mile of parallel track near Knob Noster and Route 23. $7 million
Johnson County, Skyhaven Airport - Construct new airport apron. $2 million
Lafayette County, Route 70 - Pavement improvements on eastbound and westbound lanes from
Jackson County line to Odessa. $8 million
Miller County, Route 17 - Replace Osage River bridge 1 mile east of Tuscumbia. $9 million
New Madrid County, New Madrid Port - Construct railroad extension and warehouse.$2 million
Pemiscot County, Route 55 - Pavement rehabilitation on northbound lanes from Arkansas state line to I-155. $11 million
Pemiscot/New Madrid Counties, Route 55 - Pavement rehabilitation on northbound and southbound lanes from I-155 to Scott County. $22 million
Phelps County, Route 44 - Major pavement rehabilitation/reconstruction on westbound lanes from Business Loop 44 (Rolla) to Sugartree Road Interchange. $12 million
Platte County, Route 29 - Resurface pavement and shoulders on northbound and southbound lanes at various locations from Route 273 to Vivion Road. $12 million
St. Charles County 364/94/Page Avenue - Extend Page Avenue from 0.4 mile east of Jungermann to 0.3 mile west of Central School Road. $49 million
St. Louis County, Route 67 - Pedestrian improvements from I-270 to Old St. Charles Road.$1 million
St. Louis County, Route 141 - Add turn and auxiliary lanes from Route 40/I-64 to St. Luke's Hospital Drive in Chesterfield, and Town and Country. $8 million
St. Louis County, Route AC - Pedestrian improvements from Route 67 to I-270. $1 million
Scott County, Sikeston Memorial Municipal Airport - Overlay runway at Sikeston Airport.$3 million
Statewide Minor Routes - Provide 700 to 1,400 miles of pavement improvements to statewide lettered rural routes. $30 - $60 million
Statewide Transit - Purchase 200 public transit vehicles statewide. $10 - $20 million
Taney County, Route 76 - Sidewalk improvements from Roark Valley Road to Gretna.$1 million
Wayne County, Route 34 - Widen, build shoulders and straighten two locations between Route N and Piedmont. $16 million
Given additional funding beyond $510 million, significant portions of these four projects totaling $290 million could be awarded during calendar year 2009.
Jackson County, Route 435/70 Interchange - Construct new half diamond interchange at Route 40/I-435, replace Blue Ridge Cut-off bridge over I-70, add lanes to I-70 and modify some ramps. $32 million
Jefferson County, Route 55 - Add lanes, relocate existing weigh station, replace eight bridges and revise Route M interchange from Route M to Route Z. $68 million
McDonald County, Route 71 - Construct freeway from Pineville to Arkansas state line.$74 million
St. Louis County, Route 141 - Construct Route 141 on relocation from Route 340 to St. Luke's Hospital Drive. $116 million
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Lack of Funding for Transportation Puts Lives, Jobs and Quality of Life At Risk
MoDOT Issues Annual Report to State Legislature
JEFFERSON CITY – When you see the face of a bubbly, bouncing baby girl, you probably don’t think of transportation. But the Missouri Department of Transportation’s annual report to the state legislature aims to make the connection that investing in transportation is investing in the next generation’s future. The report points out that jobs, lives and our quality of life are at stake if we don’t invest in transportation.
“Great nations build and invest for succeeding generations, like our parents and grandparents did,” MoDOT Director Pete Rahn said. “We must invest in transportation if we want to save lives, remain economically competitive and improve our quality of life.”
Rahn noted that the newest section of Interstate 70 in Missouri is 41 years old, though it was built to last just 20 years. Large truck traffic, which now makes up 25 percent of the travel on Interstates 70 and 44, is expected to double by 2030.
“Our highways are deteriorating with many fixes today being no more than Band-Aids,” Rahn said. “We’ve exceeded the capacity of 83 percent of our national highway system resulting in ever-growing congestion and a tremendous waste of our collective time and waning fuel supplies, as well as increasing air pollution due to idling vehicles.”
Although many needs remain, the report also highlights MoDOT’s progress in improving state highways and making them safer thanks to recent revenue redirected to road and bridge projects. Rahn cited the following statistics as proof:
· Over the last two years, Missouri has seen a 21 percent decrease in traffic deaths – the second-largest decrease in the nation.
· Seventy-eight percent of the state’s major roads are now in good condition compared to 46 percent in 2005.
· Over the last five years, MoDOT has completed $5.6 billion worth of work within seven-tenths of a percent of the estimate. The $38 million saved went toward additional highway work.
Looking to the future, the department has begun a new initiative to find out what Missourians want in their transportation system. Called A Conversation for Moving Missouri Forward, the information-seeking effort outlines five options for delivering a quality transportation system: take care of roads and bridges; do a better job of providing other ways to get around; rebuild Interstates 70 and 44; tackle needed major projects and meet regional needs.
Rahn also said his agency would once again make a push for the Missouri legislature to pass a primary safety belt law in the upcoming legislative session. Missouri's current safety belt law allows only secondary enforcement, meaning motorists can be ticketed only if the driver is first pulled over for another offense. A primary safety belt law in Missouri would save an estimated 90 lives and prevent more than 1,000 serious injuries each year.
The entire annual report, including an executive summary, can be found on MoDOT’s Web site, www.modot.org.
Editor’s note: Taped comments on this subject from MoDOT Director Pete Rahn can be found on MoDOT’s Web site at www.modot.org/newsroom.
JEFFERSON CITY – When you see the face of a bubbly, bouncing baby girl, you probably don’t think of transportation. But the Missouri Department of Transportation’s annual report to the state legislature aims to make the connection that investing in transportation is investing in the next generation’s future. The report points out that jobs, lives and our quality of life are at stake if we don’t invest in transportation.
“Great nations build and invest for succeeding generations, like our parents and grandparents did,” MoDOT Director Pete Rahn said. “We must invest in transportation if we want to save lives, remain economically competitive and improve our quality of life.”
Rahn noted that the newest section of Interstate 70 in Missouri is 41 years old, though it was built to last just 20 years. Large truck traffic, which now makes up 25 percent of the travel on Interstates 70 and 44, is expected to double by 2030.
“Our highways are deteriorating with many fixes today being no more than Band-Aids,” Rahn said. “We’ve exceeded the capacity of 83 percent of our national highway system resulting in ever-growing congestion and a tremendous waste of our collective time and waning fuel supplies, as well as increasing air pollution due to idling vehicles.”
Although many needs remain, the report also highlights MoDOT’s progress in improving state highways and making them safer thanks to recent revenue redirected to road and bridge projects. Rahn cited the following statistics as proof:
· Over the last two years, Missouri has seen a 21 percent decrease in traffic deaths – the second-largest decrease in the nation.
· Seventy-eight percent of the state’s major roads are now in good condition compared to 46 percent in 2005.
· Over the last five years, MoDOT has completed $5.6 billion worth of work within seven-tenths of a percent of the estimate. The $38 million saved went toward additional highway work.
Looking to the future, the department has begun a new initiative to find out what Missourians want in their transportation system. Called A Conversation for Moving Missouri Forward, the information-seeking effort outlines five options for delivering a quality transportation system: take care of roads and bridges; do a better job of providing other ways to get around; rebuild Interstates 70 and 44; tackle needed major projects and meet regional needs.
Rahn also said his agency would once again make a push for the Missouri legislature to pass a primary safety belt law in the upcoming legislative session. Missouri's current safety belt law allows only secondary enforcement, meaning motorists can be ticketed only if the driver is first pulled over for another offense. A primary safety belt law in Missouri would save an estimated 90 lives and prevent more than 1,000 serious injuries each year.
The entire annual report, including an executive summary, can be found on MoDOT’s Web site, www.modot.org.
Editor’s note: Taped comments on this subject from MoDOT Director Pete Rahn can be found on MoDOT’s Web site at www.modot.org/newsroom.
Monday, November 10, 2008
"Name the Train" Contest Announced for Amtrak Kansas City to St. Louis Service
JEFFERSON CITY and ST. LOUIS - A celebration of 30 years of state-supported passenger rail across Missouri, as well as major service improvements in the works, are the reasons the Missouri Department of Transportation and Amtrak® are pleased to announce a contest to give the trains a brand-new name. The "Name the Train" contest will rely on train fans everywhere to first suggest and then select the best "brand-name" for the service between St. Louis and Kansas City.
There will be three phases to the contest. First, submit your favorite name between Nov. 10 and Dec. 10. Contest entries may be submitted online at http://www.morail.org/; mailed to MoDOT, Name the Train Contest, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102; or hand-delivered to any MoDOT district office (locations at modot.org). Contest rules are posted at the morail.org website.
Contest judges will select five names as finalists. Between, Dec. 16, 2008 and Jan. 16, 2009, voting will be conducted online or by a post card indicating your favorite finalist name. The new name will be announced by January 30, 2009.
The contest is open to anyone, but you must be a Missouri resident to win a prize. Five finalists will receive two round-trip coach tickets to any Amtrak destination in Missouri and a gift basket from one of five participating cities located on passenger rail line. The grand-prize winner will receive two round-trip sleeping car tickets to any Amtrak destination in the U.S.
Since 1979, Amtrak has provided state-supported passenger rail service between St. Louis and Kansas City. Amtrak runs two round trips daily. The trains carry tens of thousands of passengers a year with stops in St. Louis, Kirkwood, Washington, Hermann, Jefferson City, Sedalia, Warrensburg, Lee's Summit, Independence and Kansas City.
"With major track improvements to improve on-time service planned next spring, 2009 will be exciting for rail service in our state. It will be great to start it off with a new identity for our trains," said MoDOT Railroads Administrator Rod Massman. "We're looking for something that reminds folks of Missouri's great tradition of rail service, as well as the excitement and adventure of train travel. I'm looking forward to seeing what people come up with."
Missouri's cross-state passenger trains already have names, but they're little used and unknown to most people. One round-trip is called Missouri Service, formerly named the Ann Rutledge - a leftover from that train's Illinois origins. The other round-trip is called the Mules. Renaming the trains will create a single brand for the service, a practice that is common on other Amtrak corridors.
"This is a great time for Amtrak service in Missouri, with a new station opening in St. Louis, renovations at Sedalia and other upcoming rail improvements that will improve the quality of the service we provide," said Anne McGinnis, Amtrak Marketing, St. Louis. "The Name the Train contest" is a way for the citizens of the state of Missouri to participate in shaping our future."
There will be three phases to the contest. First, submit your favorite name between Nov. 10 and Dec. 10. Contest entries may be submitted online at http://www.morail.org/; mailed to MoDOT, Name the Train Contest, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102; or hand-delivered to any MoDOT district office (locations at modot.org). Contest rules are posted at the morail.org website.
Contest judges will select five names as finalists. Between, Dec. 16, 2008 and Jan. 16, 2009, voting will be conducted online or by a post card indicating your favorite finalist name. The new name will be announced by January 30, 2009.
The contest is open to anyone, but you must be a Missouri resident to win a prize. Five finalists will receive two round-trip coach tickets to any Amtrak destination in Missouri and a gift basket from one of five participating cities located on passenger rail line. The grand-prize winner will receive two round-trip sleeping car tickets to any Amtrak destination in the U.S.
Since 1979, Amtrak has provided state-supported passenger rail service between St. Louis and Kansas City. Amtrak runs two round trips daily. The trains carry tens of thousands of passengers a year with stops in St. Louis, Kirkwood, Washington, Hermann, Jefferson City, Sedalia, Warrensburg, Lee's Summit, Independence and Kansas City.
"With major track improvements to improve on-time service planned next spring, 2009 will be exciting for rail service in our state. It will be great to start it off with a new identity for our trains," said MoDOT Railroads Administrator Rod Massman. "We're looking for something that reminds folks of Missouri's great tradition of rail service, as well as the excitement and adventure of train travel. I'm looking forward to seeing what people come up with."
Missouri's cross-state passenger trains already have names, but they're little used and unknown to most people. One round-trip is called Missouri Service, formerly named the Ann Rutledge - a leftover from that train's Illinois origins. The other round-trip is called the Mules. Renaming the trains will create a single brand for the service, a practice that is common on other Amtrak corridors.
"This is a great time for Amtrak service in Missouri, with a new station opening in St. Louis, renovations at Sedalia and other upcoming rail improvements that will improve the quality of the service we provide," said Anne McGinnis, Amtrak Marketing, St. Louis. "The Name the Train contest" is a way for the citizens of the state of Missouri to participate in shaping our future."
Friday, November 7, 2008
Highway Signs to Pay Tribute to Veterans
JEFFERSON CITY – In honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, the Missouri Department of Transportation is using the message boards along state interstates to recognize those who have served our country in the armed forces.
The signs – 60 in all – will rotate messages supporting veterans and reminding the public about this important day. They are located throughout the state on Interstates 70, 44, 55, 29 and 35 and on U.S. Route 60.
"This is a small gesture when compared to the sacrifices our veterans have made for us," said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn. "The signs will send a message of support to veterans and their families and provide food for thought to the thousands of people who see them."
Rahn said the Veterans Day messages would also be a good reminder of the connection between the interstates and national defense. In 1956, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation creating the interstate system, he announced it as "the National Defense Highway System." The system was designed to move military equipment and personnel efficiently.
When the electronic boards are not conveying information about travel times, traffic accidents, road conditions or work zones, the department uses them to provide highway safety messages.
The signs – 60 in all – will rotate messages supporting veterans and reminding the public about this important day. They are located throughout the state on Interstates 70, 44, 55, 29 and 35 and on U.S. Route 60.
"This is a small gesture when compared to the sacrifices our veterans have made for us," said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn. "The signs will send a message of support to veterans and their families and provide food for thought to the thousands of people who see them."
Rahn said the Veterans Day messages would also be a good reminder of the connection between the interstates and national defense. In 1956, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation creating the interstate system, he announced it as "the National Defense Highway System." The system was designed to move military equipment and personnel efficiently.
When the electronic boards are not conveying information about travel times, traffic accidents, road conditions or work zones, the department uses them to provide highway safety messages.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
MU’s Pinkel Plugs Seatbelt Use
JEFFERSON CITY – Mizzou Head Football Coach Gary Pinkel and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety have teamed up to take on the Tigers’ most formidable opponent yet: people who don’t buckle up.
Pinkel appears in a new public service announcement that features a defenseless Tiger wannabe at the mercy of the real thing. As the giant, growling football player moves in for the tackle, a dark shadow falls over his trembling victim. A female scientist says, “In an automobile accident, 6,000 pounds of force is transferred to the body of the occupant, roughly the same amount of force as taking a hit from an MU football player.”
The punch line? “If the MU football player was 64-feet tall.”
Straight-man Pinkel delivers the PSA’s serious message: “In a crash your seat belt is your best defense. Drive safe, drive sober and always buckle up. We want you to Arrive Alive.”
The Mizzou coach has appeared in several public service announcements promoting highway safety. This past April, he was seen on billboards and heard on radio promoting motorcycle safety. In one of those spots, Pinkel, an avid motorcycle rider, asks drivers to be on the lookout for motorcycles and keep Missouri roads safe for everyone, “even Jayhawk fans.”
“Coach Pinkel has been a true supporter of our efforts to save lives on Missouri highways,” Missouri Department of Transportation Director Pete Rahn said. “In addition to these public service announcements, thousands of people see the Arrive Alive logo on the press backdrop when the coach meets with reporters. We can’t thank him enough for lending his name and notoriety to encourage motorists to buckle up and drive sober.”
Coalition members will be out in force at Mizzou’s Oct. 25 homecoming game to further spread the safety message. As football fans enter the stadium, they will find safety advocates at various locations around the main concourse with activities to illustrate the importance of driving sober and buckling up.
Only 77 percent of Missourians wear their seat belts, well below the national average of 82 percent. For teenagers, the rate is even lower – just 62 percent.
“It’s amazing what the simple act of buckling up can do,” said Rahn. “You have a one in 32 chance of being killed in a crash if you’re not wearing your seat belt. If you’re belted in, your chance of being killed falls to one in 1,294.”
Rahn said his agency would once again make a push for the Missouri legislature to pass a primary safety belt law in the upcoming legislative session. Missouri’s current safety belt law allows only secondary enforcement, meaning motorists can be ticketed only if the driver is first pulled over for another offense. A primary safety belt law in Missouri would save an estimated 90 lives and prevent more than 1,000 serious injuries each year.
You can view the MU football PSA on the big screen at Mizzou home football games or on YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFkFYjqm4go
Pinkel appears in a new public service announcement that features a defenseless Tiger wannabe at the mercy of the real thing. As the giant, growling football player moves in for the tackle, a dark shadow falls over his trembling victim. A female scientist says, “In an automobile accident, 6,000 pounds of force is transferred to the body of the occupant, roughly the same amount of force as taking a hit from an MU football player.”
The punch line? “If the MU football player was 64-feet tall.”
Straight-man Pinkel delivers the PSA’s serious message: “In a crash your seat belt is your best defense. Drive safe, drive sober and always buckle up. We want you to Arrive Alive.”
The Mizzou coach has appeared in several public service announcements promoting highway safety. This past April, he was seen on billboards and heard on radio promoting motorcycle safety. In one of those spots, Pinkel, an avid motorcycle rider, asks drivers to be on the lookout for motorcycles and keep Missouri roads safe for everyone, “even Jayhawk fans.”
“Coach Pinkel has been a true supporter of our efforts to save lives on Missouri highways,” Missouri Department of Transportation Director Pete Rahn said. “In addition to these public service announcements, thousands of people see the Arrive Alive logo on the press backdrop when the coach meets with reporters. We can’t thank him enough for lending his name and notoriety to encourage motorists to buckle up and drive sober.”
Coalition members will be out in force at Mizzou’s Oct. 25 homecoming game to further spread the safety message. As football fans enter the stadium, they will find safety advocates at various locations around the main concourse with activities to illustrate the importance of driving sober and buckling up.
Only 77 percent of Missourians wear their seat belts, well below the national average of 82 percent. For teenagers, the rate is even lower – just 62 percent.
“It’s amazing what the simple act of buckling up can do,” said Rahn. “You have a one in 32 chance of being killed in a crash if you’re not wearing your seat belt. If you’re belted in, your chance of being killed falls to one in 1,294.”
Rahn said his agency would once again make a push for the Missouri legislature to pass a primary safety belt law in the upcoming legislative session. Missouri’s current safety belt law allows only secondary enforcement, meaning motorists can be ticketed only if the driver is first pulled over for another offense. A primary safety belt law in Missouri would save an estimated 90 lives and prevent more than 1,000 serious injuries each year.
You can view the MU football PSA on the big screen at Mizzou home football games or on YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFkFYjqm4go
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
In the Face of Funding Shortfalls, States Are Adopting MoDOT’s Cost Savings Plan
JEFFERSON CITY - The Missouri Department of Transportation's innovative highway design concept called Practical Design is quickly becoming a national model because of the cost savings it creates. Several states have taken notice of how Missouri's no-frills plan is meeting the state's transportation needs while cutting costs by more than a half-billion dollars over the last three years.
By using Practical Design, MoDOT saves money by customizing its highway construction projects to fit specific needs rather than applying generic standards across the board. Over the past three years, this method has saved more than $500 million that has been reinvested in additional transportation improvements. So far in fiscal year 2009, MoDOT has delivered $118 million of work $2.4 million, or 2 percent, under budget.
Department officials have worked closely with two states that have implemented spin offs of the Practical Design concept conceived by MoDOT in 2004. The state of Idaho adopted Practical Design in 2007 and, just last month, the state of Kentucky unveiled its Practical Solutions initiative. Other states, seeking out ways to meet their own transportation needs in challenging economic times, have also shown interest in Practical Design.
"Many DOTs across the nation are finding it more and more difficult to work within their budgets due to rising fuel and construction materials costs, growing economic concerns and decreasing state and federal funds," said MoDOT Chief Engineer Kevin Keith. "Money is dwindling while the competition for these resources is increasing. That is requiring DOTs to find ways to get the biggest bang for every transportation buck.
"Practical Design has allowed Missouri to make wise investments in our transportation system, building many ‘good' projects rather than just a few ‘perfect' projects. As financial times get even leaner, this concept will ensure we can stretch every dollar we have to meet as many of our transportation needs as we can."
Implementing Practical Design in conjunction with several other MoDOT initiatives has improved road conditions and made the state's transportation system safer. The Show Me State has gone from having the third worst pavement on major roads to an estimated ninth best, with 78 percent of our major roads now in good condition. Missouri also recorded the second-largest percentage decrease in traffic-related fatalities of any state in the nation over the last two years.
By using Practical Design, MoDOT saves money by customizing its highway construction projects to fit specific needs rather than applying generic standards across the board. Over the past three years, this method has saved more than $500 million that has been reinvested in additional transportation improvements. So far in fiscal year 2009, MoDOT has delivered $118 million of work $2.4 million, or 2 percent, under budget.
Department officials have worked closely with two states that have implemented spin offs of the Practical Design concept conceived by MoDOT in 2004. The state of Idaho adopted Practical Design in 2007 and, just last month, the state of Kentucky unveiled its Practical Solutions initiative. Other states, seeking out ways to meet their own transportation needs in challenging economic times, have also shown interest in Practical Design.
"Many DOTs across the nation are finding it more and more difficult to work within their budgets due to rising fuel and construction materials costs, growing economic concerns and decreasing state and federal funds," said MoDOT Chief Engineer Kevin Keith. "Money is dwindling while the competition for these resources is increasing. That is requiring DOTs to find ways to get the biggest bang for every transportation buck.
"Practical Design has allowed Missouri to make wise investments in our transportation system, building many ‘good' projects rather than just a few ‘perfect' projects. As financial times get even leaner, this concept will ensure we can stretch every dollar we have to meet as many of our transportation needs as we can."
Implementing Practical Design in conjunction with several other MoDOT initiatives has improved road conditions and made the state's transportation system safer. The Show Me State has gone from having the third worst pavement on major roads to an estimated ninth best, with 78 percent of our major roads now in good condition. Missouri also recorded the second-largest percentage decrease in traffic-related fatalities of any state in the nation over the last two years.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Guest Commentary: 802 Better Bridges By Pete Rahn, director, Missouri Department of Transportation
Within five years, 802 of Missouri’s worst bridges will be repaired or replaced. These badly needed improvements will mean crashes avoided, jobs created and the ability to get where you are going easier.
When we launched the Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program in September 2006, we sought to fix 802 of the state’s worst bridges using an innovative design-build-finance-maintain approach. We knew it was a bold step - something no other state had ever attempted - but we also knew it would allow us to quickly accomplish what Missourians wanted us to do: fix our ailing state bridges.
We budgeted $50 million a year out of our federal bridge money to pay for the program. In February 2008 we reached an agreement with Missouri Bridge Partners for nearly everything we sought at a cost of $52.7 million annually. Almost immediately the financial crisis our economy has been experiencing began to impact their proposal. Today, payments are estimated at $65 million to $74 million depending upon actual interest rates at the time of financial close. This is just too expensive. It is not the best use of taxpayers’ money and at this cost could threaten highway and bridge improvements in our adopted five-year construction program.
We’re proud to say we’ll still be delivering 802 improved bridges to Missourians in five years – we’ll just be packaging and paying for the work a little differently. When all is said and done, our new approach will likely save taxpayers $300 million to $500 million.
Here’s how it will work: at least 100 bridges will be under construction early next year using accelerated project management techniques; 554 bridges will be included in a single design-build package that will be advertised this fall and awarded in late spring 2009; the remaining 148 bridges will be improved over the following four years also using an accelerated process. We’ll sell bonds and use federal bridge replacement funds we receive each year to make the annual payment.
Safe & Sound has always been about fixing bad bridges quickly and economically, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do. The experience we gained from this innovative approach suggests the project is very feasible. We worked with many excellent contractors and designers who provided competitive proposals. However, their good work could not overcome the extreme volatility in the nation’s credit markets.
MoDOT has purchased from the final two teams their technical plans and design and exploration data. This is a good value and will allow us to work with our private sector partners to jump-start this important work.
In the end, it’s not really about which delivery method gets us there, but that we get there, that matters. We promised to give Missourians a safer transportation system by fixing hundreds of our lowest-rated bridges in a short amount of time, and we’ll deliver on our promise.
We are excited to get to work. The sooner these bridges are under construction, the sooner Missourians will reap the benefits - safer roads, more jobs and increased mobility.
When we launched the Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program in September 2006, we sought to fix 802 of the state’s worst bridges using an innovative design-build-finance-maintain approach. We knew it was a bold step - something no other state had ever attempted - but we also knew it would allow us to quickly accomplish what Missourians wanted us to do: fix our ailing state bridges.
We budgeted $50 million a year out of our federal bridge money to pay for the program. In February 2008 we reached an agreement with Missouri Bridge Partners for nearly everything we sought at a cost of $52.7 million annually. Almost immediately the financial crisis our economy has been experiencing began to impact their proposal. Today, payments are estimated at $65 million to $74 million depending upon actual interest rates at the time of financial close. This is just too expensive. It is not the best use of taxpayers’ money and at this cost could threaten highway and bridge improvements in our adopted five-year construction program.
We’re proud to say we’ll still be delivering 802 improved bridges to Missourians in five years – we’ll just be packaging and paying for the work a little differently. When all is said and done, our new approach will likely save taxpayers $300 million to $500 million.
Here’s how it will work: at least 100 bridges will be under construction early next year using accelerated project management techniques; 554 bridges will be included in a single design-build package that will be advertised this fall and awarded in late spring 2009; the remaining 148 bridges will be improved over the following four years also using an accelerated process. We’ll sell bonds and use federal bridge replacement funds we receive each year to make the annual payment.
Safe & Sound has always been about fixing bad bridges quickly and economically, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do. The experience we gained from this innovative approach suggests the project is very feasible. We worked with many excellent contractors and designers who provided competitive proposals. However, their good work could not overcome the extreme volatility in the nation’s credit markets.
MoDOT has purchased from the final two teams their technical plans and design and exploration data. This is a good value and will allow us to work with our private sector partners to jump-start this important work.
In the end, it’s not really about which delivery method gets us there, but that we get there, that matters. We promised to give Missourians a safer transportation system by fixing hundreds of our lowest-rated bridges in a short amount of time, and we’ll deliver on our promise.
We are excited to get to work. The sooner these bridges are under construction, the sooner Missourians will reap the benefits - safer roads, more jobs and increased mobility.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
MoDOT Launches Largest Bridge Project In State History
JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission today approved plans to improve 802 of Missouri’s lowest rated bridges in five years, starting with 100 structures that will be under construction early next year. The Missouri Department of Transportation, though, will manage the Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program differently than the Design-Build-Finance-Maintain contract that was envisioned when the program was launched two years ago.
The Commission decided to conclude the procurement process that had previously identified Missouri Bridge Partners (MBP) as the apparent best-value proposer, citing the turmoil in the financial markets that made the proposal unaffordable, and directed MoDOT to move forward with alternative methods to deliver Safe & Sound.
There will be 554 bridge replacements included in a single design-build package to be advertised this fall and awarded in late spring 2009. The remaining 248 bridges to be improved will be contracted using a modified design-bid-build approach, where projects are grouped by type, size or location to accelerate construction schedules.
“Safe & Sound has always been about fixing bad bridges quickly and economically,” MoDOT Director Pete Rahn said. “The experience of this process tells us that the design-build-finance-maintain approach is very feasible, but for this particular project, at a time of extreme volatility in the nation’s credit markets, the requirement for private financing made Missouri Bridge Partner’s proposal just too expensive for our budget.”
Under the Missouri Bridge Partners plan, MoDOT would have been required to make annual payments that would have ranged between $65-74 million, depending on interest rates.
“We had budgeted for a $50 million annual payment, using roughly one-third of the federal bridge replacement funds Missouri receives each year,” Rahn said. “At a time when we are faced with declining revenues and increasing costs, the Commission was concerned we might not be able to honor our commitments in MoDOT’s five-year construction program if we went forward at a price over our budget. Keeping our promises is the Commission’s absolute top priority.
“The turmoil in the credit markets had a tremendous impact on the cost of this project, and extended contract negotiations while we waited to see if a calming of the credit markets would make this project financially viable. Unfortunately, that did not happen.”
MoDOT has spent $15.6 million on development of the Safe & Sound program, an investment that will enable it to have 100 bridge projects under contract by spring, and will also reduce the cost of other contracting options and speed their implementation. Included in the cost to date are stipends paid to MBP and Team United, the other proposing team that was eliminated from consideration by the Commission in December 2007. Those stipends convey ownership of the technical concepts developed by each team to MoDOT for its future use. Additionally, MBP developed bridge plans and conducted surveys and geotechnical investigations in the field under a Limited Notice to Proceed issued by the Commission in June that MoDOT will use to get work under way. MoDOT also located utilities at bridge locations – work that won’t have to be repeated.
Rahn said MoDOT plans to issue bonds to pay for the project with annual payments of approximately $50 million as budgeted previously. With finance charges, it’s estimated that MoDOT’s new plan will be $300-500 million cheaper than the MBP proposal.
A complete list of all the bridges in the Safe & Sound program and other information can be found on the MoDOT Web site at www.modot.mo.gov/safeandsound.
“Ultimately,” Rahn said, “the question became whether MBP or MoDOT could provide financing for the project at the lowest cost. In view of the present turmoil in the financial markets, the answer is that MoDOT could do it for less.
“Better bridges are coming soon.”
Editor’s note: Recorded comments on this subject from MoDOT Director Pete Rahn can be found at www.modot.org/newsroom.
The Commission decided to conclude the procurement process that had previously identified Missouri Bridge Partners (MBP) as the apparent best-value proposer, citing the turmoil in the financial markets that made the proposal unaffordable, and directed MoDOT to move forward with alternative methods to deliver Safe & Sound.
There will be 554 bridge replacements included in a single design-build package to be advertised this fall and awarded in late spring 2009. The remaining 248 bridges to be improved will be contracted using a modified design-bid-build approach, where projects are grouped by type, size or location to accelerate construction schedules.
“Safe & Sound has always been about fixing bad bridges quickly and economically,” MoDOT Director Pete Rahn said. “The experience of this process tells us that the design-build-finance-maintain approach is very feasible, but for this particular project, at a time of extreme volatility in the nation’s credit markets, the requirement for private financing made Missouri Bridge Partner’s proposal just too expensive for our budget.”
Under the Missouri Bridge Partners plan, MoDOT would have been required to make annual payments that would have ranged between $65-74 million, depending on interest rates.
“We had budgeted for a $50 million annual payment, using roughly one-third of the federal bridge replacement funds Missouri receives each year,” Rahn said. “At a time when we are faced with declining revenues and increasing costs, the Commission was concerned we might not be able to honor our commitments in MoDOT’s five-year construction program if we went forward at a price over our budget. Keeping our promises is the Commission’s absolute top priority.
“The turmoil in the credit markets had a tremendous impact on the cost of this project, and extended contract negotiations while we waited to see if a calming of the credit markets would make this project financially viable. Unfortunately, that did not happen.”
MoDOT has spent $15.6 million on development of the Safe & Sound program, an investment that will enable it to have 100 bridge projects under contract by spring, and will also reduce the cost of other contracting options and speed their implementation. Included in the cost to date are stipends paid to MBP and Team United, the other proposing team that was eliminated from consideration by the Commission in December 2007. Those stipends convey ownership of the technical concepts developed by each team to MoDOT for its future use. Additionally, MBP developed bridge plans and conducted surveys and geotechnical investigations in the field under a Limited Notice to Proceed issued by the Commission in June that MoDOT will use to get work under way. MoDOT also located utilities at bridge locations – work that won’t have to be repeated.
Rahn said MoDOT plans to issue bonds to pay for the project with annual payments of approximately $50 million as budgeted previously. With finance charges, it’s estimated that MoDOT’s new plan will be $300-500 million cheaper than the MBP proposal.
A complete list of all the bridges in the Safe & Sound program and other information can be found on the MoDOT Web site at www.modot.mo.gov/safeandsound.
“Ultimately,” Rahn said, “the question became whether MBP or MoDOT could provide financing for the project at the lowest cost. In view of the present turmoil in the financial markets, the answer is that MoDOT could do it for less.
“Better bridges are coming soon.”
Editor’s note: Recorded comments on this subject from MoDOT Director Pete Rahn can be found at www.modot.org/newsroom.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Statement from MoDOT Director Pete Rahn on Federal Highway Trust Fund
JEFFERSON CITY – “MoDOT is grateful that Congress and the President have moved quickly to alleviate the financial crisis we all faced as the Highway Trust Fund plunged into insolvency.
The fact is that this is a short-term solution. The action to replace some $8billion previously taken out of the Trust Fund buys us one year’s breathing room to focus on how the nation will meet its future transportation needs. We have to face up to the reality that America must rebuild and renew our aging system if we hope to give our children the same chance at prosperity that we’ve had.
I hope the bipartisan cooperation that brought all parties together in this crisis will continue as we address the challenge that is just around the corner,” said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn.
The fact is that this is a short-term solution. The action to replace some $8billion previously taken out of the Trust Fund buys us one year’s breathing room to focus on how the nation will meet its future transportation needs. We have to face up to the reality that America must rebuild and renew our aging system if we hope to give our children the same chance at prosperity that we’ve had.
I hope the bipartisan cooperation that brought all parties together in this crisis will continue as we address the challenge that is just around the corner,” said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Missouri High Schools Challenged to Battle to Buckle Up!
Seat Belt Campaign to Save Teen Lives
Calling all Missouri high schools to battle! The 2008 Battle of the Belt Challenge is under way. Sponsored by the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, the statewide competition is in its third year and will run Sept. 15 – Nov. 21 to educate young drivers about seat belt use and hopefully save lives and reduce traffic-crash injuries.
Although comprising only 7 percent of Missouri’s licensed drivers, young drivers were involved in 19 percent of the fatal and disabling injury crashes. Since 1995 in Missouri, more than 1,900 teen occupants ages 15-19 years old have been killed and more than 20,000 have experienced disabling injuries in nearly 18,000 severe crashes.
To battle these statistics, more than 80 schools took the challenge in 2007, with students performing surprise seat belt checks at their high school, coupled with an educational campaign on the importance of seat belt use. In addition to the peer seat belt checks and educational campaign, students had the opportunity to submit a video of a 30-second television spot. Each winning entry received cash prizes, and the video winner was aired statewide. The top video entry last year was a creative spot featuring a car, a banana peel and a lesson on buckling up. It can be viewed at saveMOyouth.com.
“More than 80 percent of the teens killed in Missouri vehicle crashes each year aren’t buckled up,” said Leanna Depue, chair of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety’s executive committee. “That’s why we’re so excited to have schools participate in the Battle of the Belt challenge. Through education, competition and fun, we can make a difference with Missouri teens and save lives.”
Missouri high schools may choose to participate in one or both components of the program. Prizes will be awarded for each component.
Prizes include:
· $1,000 to the Missouri school with the highest overall safety belt use rate
· $1,000 to the Missouri school with the most improved safety belt use rate
· $1,000 to the student or group producing a winning 30-second video PSA for safety belt use, and professional production of the video and possible use in local and statewide media
· Regional monetary awards for the highest overall safety belt use rate and most improved safety belt use rate
The 2008 Battle of the Belt challenge is sponsored by the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety and American Family Insurance.
For more information on Battle of the Belt and last year’s winners, or to sign up your local high school for the 2008 challenge, visit www.saveMOyouth.com.
Buckle Up to Arrive Alive!
Calling all Missouri high schools to battle! The 2008 Battle of the Belt Challenge is under way. Sponsored by the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, the statewide competition is in its third year and will run Sept. 15 – Nov. 21 to educate young drivers about seat belt use and hopefully save lives and reduce traffic-crash injuries.
Although comprising only 7 percent of Missouri’s licensed drivers, young drivers were involved in 19 percent of the fatal and disabling injury crashes. Since 1995 in Missouri, more than 1,900 teen occupants ages 15-19 years old have been killed and more than 20,000 have experienced disabling injuries in nearly 18,000 severe crashes.
To battle these statistics, more than 80 schools took the challenge in 2007, with students performing surprise seat belt checks at their high school, coupled with an educational campaign on the importance of seat belt use. In addition to the peer seat belt checks and educational campaign, students had the opportunity to submit a video of a 30-second television spot. Each winning entry received cash prizes, and the video winner was aired statewide. The top video entry last year was a creative spot featuring a car, a banana peel and a lesson on buckling up. It can be viewed at saveMOyouth.com.
“More than 80 percent of the teens killed in Missouri vehicle crashes each year aren’t buckled up,” said Leanna Depue, chair of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety’s executive committee. “That’s why we’re so excited to have schools participate in the Battle of the Belt challenge. Through education, competition and fun, we can make a difference with Missouri teens and save lives.”
Missouri high schools may choose to participate in one or both components of the program. Prizes will be awarded for each component.
Prizes include:
· $1,000 to the Missouri school with the highest overall safety belt use rate
· $1,000 to the Missouri school with the most improved safety belt use rate
· $1,000 to the student or group producing a winning 30-second video PSA for safety belt use, and professional production of the video and possible use in local and statewide media
· Regional monetary awards for the highest overall safety belt use rate and most improved safety belt use rate
The 2008 Battle of the Belt challenge is sponsored by the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety and American Family Insurance.
For more information on Battle of the Belt and last year’s winners, or to sign up your local high school for the 2008 challenge, visit www.saveMOyouth.com.
Buckle Up to Arrive Alive!
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