MoDOT Tractors Completing Mowing; Trucks Will Run Snow Routes in Nov. 5 Drill

MoDOT crews are almost done mowing for the year, cutting grass and weeds back as far as 30 feet off the road where we can.

Keep watching for slow-moving tractors into early November.

If you think we've missed your area, let us know.

EARLY HEADS-UP: On Nov. 5, MoDOT statewide will conduct a winter weather drill. In Southwest Missouri, we will send out 286 trucks on practice plowing runs. Please be alert.

We will operate our equipment as safely as possible whether along the roadside or on the pavement. We urge you to drive safely as well, including those times when you pass one of our tractors or drive behind a snowplow.

We have work to do, but we will try to minimize delays for you. Be patient, though. It’s better for you to reach your destination a little late than not at all.

As always, if you have a question or concern, give us a call at (417) 895-7600.

You can get the latest information about events and activities in MoDOT's Southwest District by going to our website.

Learn more about MoDOT's winter operations, get winter driving tips, and find out how to keep your driveway clear by clicking on the links below:

Who's First? MoDOT's Plowing Priorities
Winter Driving Tips
How to Keep Your Driveway Clear

Work Zone Awareness

Springtime just naturally call us to be outside. We love planting in our gardens, sprucing up our yards, attending outdoor sporting events and driving with the windows rolled down.

There’s a relaxed sense of time in the spring as well. We feel like we need to enjoy the sunshine, park at the last space in the parking lot and take our time walking into the office.

Yet, for many, once we’re behind the wheel and driving we become agitated when slowed down by a roadway work zone.

Just as spring is the perfect time to upgrade or maintain our homes, it is also the best time to start projects to maintain the condition of our major roads, while improving our minor road surfaces.

At MoDOT we’re working hard to make our work zones as safe as [possible. We offer the online Traveler’s Information Map, as well as an online "rate our work zone" tool. We’ve improved our work zone signs and we actively employ the latest technology to help us monitor traffic and decrease delays.

Since 2000, 15 MoDOT employees have been killed in the line of duty.

Distracted driving is the biggest problem. The top five contributing circumstances for work zone crashes in 2011 were inattention, following too closely, improper lane usage/change, too fast for conditions and failure to yield -- in that order.

Take time to enjoy your drive. Relax. Slow down. Drive Smart in Work Zones and Arrive Alive.