News Release



For further information please contact:

Sergeant Dan Crain

573-368-2345

I06F06

June 15, 2005



EMPHASIS: Patrol Urges Motorist to Plan Ahead for Construction Projects







Captain Randy Becker, Commanding Officer of Troop I, would like to urge all motorists to please plan ahead to help alleviate possible traffic tie-ups at construction projects on I-44 during the summer months.

The reconstruction of nine miles of I-44 in Crawford County has caused both east and westbound lanes of the highway to be funneled down to one lane within that area. Despite MODOT’s pre-planning of using the adjacent service roads for an alternate route, traffic flow was so great that long traffic jams still existed during the first weekend of the project. Once stuck in traffic, many motorists made the decision to use the grass median to cross from the interstate onto the outer road. The Highway Patrol would like to remind drivers that this is not only dangerous, but also a violation of law. Troopers patrolling the area wrote numerous citations over the past weekend for this offense. Within the near future another long-term construction project west of Rolla in Phelps County, may also result in traffic being funneled down to one lane.

Each of these projects will result in better and safer roads for all travelers. However, until they are completed, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and MODOT, would like to encourage everyone who had planned to use I-44 in the effected areas to strongly explore alternative routes. For example, if traveling west from St. Louis, consider taking Hwy 50 at the 247 exit. From there, turn onto Mo. 28, just west of Rosebud, and continue to U.S. 63. If your destination is the Lake of the Ozarks, proceeding north on U.S. 63 to Mo. 42 and then west on Mo. 42, will work as your alternative route. If Springfield or Branson is on your vacation itinerary, traveling south on U.S. 63 will return you to I-44 at Rolla. However, please keep in mind that further traffic tie-ups may exist at the construction project west of Rolla.

To inquire of the traffic conditions at any of these sites please first plan ahead by calling MODOT at 1-888-ASK-MoDot or 1-888-275-6636.