Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Stoddard County, Missouri - Eastbound Route 60 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.
This section of roadway is located between Route AH and Route 114.
Weather permitting, work will performed Thursday, April 18, Monday, April 22 and Tuesday, April 23 from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.
For additional information, contact MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.
Submitted by
Beth Farrah, SMT Writer
In honor of the victims associated with the tragedy in Boston, the President of the United States has ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff. This honorable act will continue all the way to sunset on Saturday, April 20th, 2013.
Proclamation by President Barrack Obama: As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on April 15, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, April 20, 2013. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.
Written by
Dee Loflin, Manager/Writer SMT
Miss Viers is a 2013 Dexter High School Senior graduating on May 17th. She plans to attend Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.
Kaitlin is planning to major in Physical Therapy and minor in Political Science.
Pictured from left to right are Dennis Viers, Kathy Viers, Kaitlin Viers and Stoddard County Republican Club Chairman Jim Henderson.
Missouri - Spring has arrived, and along with it, varying temperatures and weather patterns. These changes can cause problems for drivers. The Missouri State Highway Patrol offers these reminders for driving safely during spring:
Heavy rain can cause flooding and spring showers will certainly spawn flash flooding. Never drive through fast-moving waters; even a small amount of fast-moving water can sweep a slow-moving vehicle off the roadway. If your vehicle becomes stuck in rising water, get out quickly and move to higher ground. Respect barriers or barricades put in place by MoDOT. They are there to protect you; don’t go around them!
Widely varying temperatures can leave roadways or bridge floors covered with frost. Even though roads appear to be clear, it is important to slow down and watch for slick areas, especially early in the morning. Temperature changes also cause fog to develop. Drivers need to slow down, turn on their headlights, and be prepared to stop in foggy conditions.
Weather conditions requiring the use of windshield wipers are usually those that affect visibility. Motorists are reminded that state law requires them to turn on their vehicle’s headlights any time they are using the windshield wipers. It only takes a second to turn on your vehicle’s headlights. But, that second could make you more visible to other drivers and prevent a traffic crash.
Drivers need to be aware of farming equipment in the spring. Tractors and other wide farm implements will be traveling down rural roads. Drivers are encouraged to be patient, slow down, and give these pieces of equipment room on the road. If you plan to pass a slow-moving farm implement, do so wisely. Never attempt to pass on hills or curves. Also, check for a “driveway” on the left before passing. A farm implement moving to the right may be preparing for a wide turn, rather than allowing you to pass.
Spring weather brings more traffic to the roadways, as people begin taking advantage of Missouri’s many recreation areas. Watch for changes in traffic patterns caused by the increase in the number of drivers on the road. One of the traffic patterns to watch for is an increase in bicycles or pedestrians. In nice weather, joggers are more common. Also, children are likely to walk or ride their bicycle to school. Stay alert!
The Patrol encourages motorists and watercraft operators to protect themselves by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint and everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life and Wear It!!!
Submitted by
Dee Loflin SMT Manager/Writer
Jefferson City, Missouri - Every spring, the Missouri Department of Transportation starts preparing for a busy summer season of construction and maintenance work across the state. Part of that preparation includes a coordinated, comprehensive approach to keep motorists and workers safe in work zones. That's why the department will observe National Work Zone Awareness Week, which is April 15-19.
"Each year we observe Work Zone Awareness Week to remind motorists to slow down, eliminate distractions, and pay attention in work zones," said MoDOT Director Dave Nichols. "This year we repeat this message with heavy hearts, after losing yet another member of the MoDOT team last year."
On September 21, 2012, Motorist Assist Operator Clifton Scott had just established traffic control following a collision on eastbound I-70 in Independence. He was struck and killed by a vehicle passing through the area.
"Clifton is one of 16 MoDOT workers who died in the line of duty since 2000," said Nichols.
"While we thoroughly train our team to take safety measures when working near traffic, we need every driver to watch out for highway workers and do their part to make sure everyone can return home safely. " When possible, MoDOT places signs, barricades and other forms of traffic control far in advance of what most people consider a "typical" work zone. But that might not always be the case, particularly when work zones are established in an emergency situation or a moving operation.
"This year, we really want to emphasize that not all work zones look alike," said Beth Wright, MoDOT State Maintenance Engineer. "We want to remind motorists that work zones can be moving operations, such as mowing or roadway striping. They can also be short term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris.
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Last year, MoDOT vehicles were added to the "Move Over" law, which protects law enforcement and emergency response vehicles parked on the side of the road.
"We ask that motorists follow this law and move over or slow down when they see MoDOT vehicles with amber and white lights flashing," said Wright.
As part of Work Zone Awareness Week 2013, MoDOT is distributing a new public service announcement that features Clifton Scott. Clifton was interviewed several years ago by a Kansas City television station, urging motorists to be cautious as they approach work zones. In the video, he speaks of his desire to safely return home to his family every night. That video and additional information about work zones can be found at www.modot.org.
