Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer

Southeast Missouri - For Missouri Department of Transportation crews, spring marks the beginning of striping season. Work to re-stripe various state routes will begin mid-March and continue through Memorial Day weekend. Routes included are 34, 53, 60, 63, 67, 72 and portions of Route 412, I-55, I-57 and I-155 in Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Dunklin, Howell, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Pemiscot, Perry, Reynolds, Scott, Shannon, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Stoddard, Texas, Wayne and Wright Counties. Weather permitting; striping work will be underway from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, excluding weekends.

"Our striping caravan is a continuous, moving operation," said District Maintenance Engineer Jeff Johnson. "Due to the fact that the operation is always moving, no stationary signs will be posted. Proper safety measures will be in place during each operation, including warning signs on MoDOT striping vehicles. We urge motorists to use extreme caution and allow the machinery the space needed to properly apply the reflective paint."

Motorists are advised to stay back 500 feet and follow all safety signage.

"For the safety of area motorists and our MoDOT crews, motorists should not pass any of the equipment while it is operational," said Johnson. "In addition to safety issues, we also suggest that motorists do not pass the equipment, to avoid getting paint on their vehicles."

The reflective paint used to stripe roadways is a unique type of paint chosen for its reflective and adhering qualities.

"The paint is designed to ‘stick' to the roadway, which means it will stick to other surfaces that it comes in contact with too. If you pass the striping equipment, you may be taking the chance of getting paint on your personal vehicle," he said.

For additional information, contact the Missouri Department of Transportation's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636).