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MoDOT Crews Respond Quickly to Taum Sauk Dam Failure
Crews from MoDOT’s South Central District responded within minutes of a dam failure at the upper reservoir on Taum Sauk Mountain in the early morning of Dec. 14. When the northeast corner of the dam failed, water flowed upstream along the east fork of the Black River, then flowed back down carrying mud, debris and trees, which were deposited on Route N in Reynolds County. MoDOT maintenance crews from Centerville, Bunker and Belleview worked Dec. 14 and Dec. 15 to clear and re-open the roadway, which had to be closed until it was safe for travel. Reservoir Failure
MoDOT’s Tracker Cited As Government Model
MoDOT's process to track how well it meets customer expectations is being cited as a model other government agencies should use. Called the Tracker, MoDOT’s performance-based system documents the agency’s progress in giving customers what they want, such as uninterrupted traffic flow, smooth and unrestricted roads and bridges and a safe transportation system. The Government Review Commission, in its final report issued Nov. 23 to Gov. Matt Blunt, pointed to MoDOT’s Tracker as a system that other state departments should adopt. Tracker
Innovative Web Site Saves Truckers Time and Money
MoDOT’s new Internet-based permit system allows freight companies to quickly apply for needed highway permits any time of the day, saving them time and money. When a motor carrier has a load that exceeds the normal legal height, width or weight limits, they must apply for an overdimension/overweight permit. MoDOT Motor Carrier Services agents check the shipping route to ensure that bridges and driving lanes can safely accommodate the load. The department can now respond more quickly to truckers’ requests to move big loads, saving time and money for everyone. New Motor Carrier Site
Kansas City Design-Build Project Approved
The Kansas City District recently received approval from the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for design-build on the Paseo Bridge replacement project. This project authorizes MoDOT to select and hire a design and construction team that can complete a bridge replacement project by Oct. 31, 2011, years sooner than if the project had followed a conventional design and construction path. The $245 million project will save taxpayers $7.5 million a year through the faster process. Design-Build
Getting The Word Out About Winter Weather
Winter weather means all hands on deck when snow and ice trigger dangerous driving conditions. And, keeping drivers safe on roadways means more than just clearing the snow. While maintenance crews are out clearing roads, MoDOT customer service and Community Relations staff are busy keeping the public informed of driving conditions. Winter Weather
Amendment 3 Providing Smoother, Safer Highways
One year ago, MoDOT announced itsSmoother, Safer, Sooner program. Funded by Amendment 3, the initiative outlined a three-pronged approach to quickly and dramatically improve the state’s roads and bridges. One year later, the results are already showing. The department is working on improving 2,200 miles of interstates and other major highways connecting cities. SRI Program Anniversary
Coalition Works to Save Lives
More than 100 people gathered for the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety’s first Blueprint Regional Roundup Dec. 13. This meeting, which was the first time so many people have gathered to discuss the Blueprint, provided a location to share best practices and ideas to reduce roadway fatalities and injuries. The goal of the Blueprint is to reduce Missouri fatalities to less than 1,000 by 2008. Roundup
New Technology Will Improve Traffic Flow
By using cell phone signals to monitor traffic flow, MoDOT is bringing state-of-the-art technology to Missouri highways for safer and more efficient travel. When data starts arriving in February, MoDOT will become the nation’s leading provider of real-time traffic information on the state’s busiest highways. The service contract was recently approved by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. Cell Phones
Amtrak Ridership Up on St. Louis to Kansas City Corridor
More people are traveling on Amtrak in Missouri on the St. Louis to Kansas City corridor. Compared to this time last year, ridership has increased nine percent, particularly on weekends and holidays. High gas prices, low fares and easy travel for those who prefer not to drive, and amenities such as plug-ins for laptop computers and using personal DVD players are some of the reasons cited for the increased ridership. For tickets or information on discounts and special fares, visit www.amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL (872-7245). Amtrak
Students Receive Honors for Buckle-Up Messages
High School students from around the state received recognition for public service announcements they created to encourage their peers to buckle up as part of the Restrain Yourself contest. Almost 400 students participated, submitting 139 PSAs. Sponsors for the contest included MoDOT, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, the Missouri State Medical Association, the Missouri Safety Council, and State Farm Insurance. Restrain Yourself
Read All About It!
MoDOT has many ways to keep you informed of the latest transportation news. One of the newer features of MoDOT's Web site is a newsroom where anyone can visit to get news releases, photos, audio sound bites and other related information. Visit this page at Newsroom
Take Time for Connections
The December issue of Connections, MoDOT's monthly employee newsletter, is now online. For some of the latest statewide and district news, make the connection! Connections Online
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