With warmer weather, there is a definite increase in road repair and construction areas on the highways and byways in Missouri. Even though this construction can be inconvenient, it is certainly a necessary inconvenience for the sake of continued safe travel throughout our state.
Right now, there are bridge and road work zones in all four counties of the 31st Senatorial District. This includes the Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) Safe and Sound Bridge Improvement Program. This program was set up to provide improvements to 802 of Missouri’s most in-need bridges between 2009 and 2013. Through 2010, repairs on 330 bridges have been completed.
Currently, there are nine bridges scheduled to be completed in 2011 in Cass County under this program and 12 in Johnson County. In addition, there are two bridges under repair in Bates County and one under repair in Vernon County, according to the MoDOT website,www.modot.mo.gov/safeandsound. Specifically, work is currently underway on these bridges: Route PP West and MO 2 East in Johnson County, Route Z South and Route VV West in Cass County, and Route E West and Route DD East in Vernon County. Please be cautious when driving in these areas.
Even though it may sound repetitious, it is in everyone’s best interest for motorists to stay cautious and vigilant on the roads, especially in construction areas. MoDOT states that there were 15 citizens killed and 1,033 injured in work zone accidents in 2010 alone. Since 2000, a total of 15 MoDOT employees have lost their lives in the line of duty in work zone accidents. The biggest contributors to these kinds of incidents are following too closely, inattention to the surroundings, improper lane usage or changing, driving too fast for the conditions, and failure to yield. These are all correctable mistakes that can save lives.
MoDOT has a series of instructions on their website, www.modot.mo.gov, that can help all drivers “Arrive Alive” to their destinations:
o Buckle Up – Every trip, every time – safety belts save lives.
o Stay Alert – Dedicate your full attention to the roadway.
o Follow Signs – They’ll guide you through work zones safely.
o Expect the Unexpected – Watch for flaggers, workers and equipment.
o Pay Attention – Turn the radio down and don’t use your cellular phone.
o Be Patient – Remember workers are improving the road for future travels.
o Don’t Speed – Follow posted limits and adjust for weather conditions.
o Don’t Drink and Drive – Impairment of any kind is unacceptable.
o Be Nice – Merge as directed, don’t tailgate and don’t change lanes in a work zone.
These simple tips will help everyone enjoy their driving experiences more and stay safe on Missouri’s roads.
As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.
Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.
