JEFFERSON CITY - While nasty weather has done a good job of dodging Mid-Missouri so far this winter, the region was bracing again Saturday.
With ice and snow Saturday night, Missouri Department of Transportation officials are asking drivers to be sure to check the department's Traveler Information Map at modot.org, if they must travel.
"The storms we've experienced recently have been a little unpredictable, and road conditions can change quickly, so one of the ways you can get a good idea about what's happening on Missouri highways is to check our Traveler Information Map," MoDOT Central District Maintenance Engineer Jason Shafer said.
That website can be found at modot.org, Shafer added.
This map shows whether roads are clear, mostly clear, partly covered or covered. In addition, the map displays real-time traffic flow and provides views of traffic cameras showing real-time interstate travel at various locations. Visitors to the map can also take a look at the messages displayed on the electronic message boards located on the Interstates 70 and 44 corridors.
MoDOT also offers a toll-free customer service line that is answered 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. A customer service representative can be reached at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).
"If you can stay home, that's the best plan, but we know that's not always possible," Shafer said. "That's why it's a good idea to plan ahead, allow extra time for your travels and drive with caution, which means slowing down, buckling up and putting down your phone."
MoDOT crews will carefully monitor road conditions and treat and plow state-maintained bridges and overpasses as needed.
Motorists should be aware bridges and overpasses generally freeze first, so they should use caution, reduce speed and brake gently in these areas.
"Even a little precipitation can cause slippery roads, so drivers need to be alert and drive for the conditions," Shafer said.
Road Work
Drivers on U.S. 54 will still be dealing with bridge maintenance this week. Impacts will affect drivers in these locations:
U.S. 54 over Richland Creek, west of County Road 210
U.S. 54 over the Ozark Valley Railroad, west of Bluff Street, and
U.S. 54 over U.S. Business 54, west of County Road 201.
Thus far, the U.S. 54 exit and on ramps south of Fulton on the business route remain open as usual. However, east- and westbound U.S. 54 traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction between Route HH and County Road 114. U.S. 54 traffic is head to head in the westbound lanes and separated by concrete barriers.
Eastbound U.S. 54 traffic is switched to the passing lane of westbound U.S. 54 via temporary median crossovers, and westbound U.S. 54 traffic is using the driving lane of westbound U.S. 54.
The U.S. Business 54 on-ramp to eastbound U.S. 54 in Fulton is closed. The westbound U.S. 54 off-ramp to U.S. Business 54 in Fulton is closed as are the U.S. 54 median crossovers at Callaway County Roads 210, 114 and 201.
All of these traffic impacts will be in place until late May.
In addition, brush cutting will start Tuesday on Route D between Missouri 94 and Route O and will continue through Feb. 23. One lane will be open, and crews will flag traffic through the work area.