Since May 2014, Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) crews have been keeping a closer eye on a patch of Mokane Road.
MODOT workers conducted an emergency repair of the southbound portion nearly a year ago when the road's shoulder was separating from the road and there was displacement of the slope, according to Geotechnical Engineer Paul Hilchen, who visits the site about every two weeks. He said MODOT estimated the quantity of materials needed and excavated at the time.
Shot-rock fill covers the slope and the type of rock contains physical properties to help stabilize the slope, Hilchen said. Assistant District Maintenance Engineer Jason Shafer said that the rock is angled enough to lock together.
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in April caused rock to wash off, but Shafer said because there's action, doesn't mean the road is about to slide away. To track the slope inclination, MODOT installed six inclinometer casings following its emergency repair - three on the upper level and three at the base. Hilchen said the monitors measure two axis from readings to see if there's been any displacement or movement.
"With the instrumentation that's here we'll be able to be able to see how things are behaving before it's very obvious to the eye," Hilchen said.
Hilchen and Shafer both stated the current state of the road is not a safety concern.
"We're keeping an eye on everything like we do any other location like this," Shafer said. "Maintenance crews are through here every day for routine business and we're always able to see what's going on."