Harry S Truman Coordinating Council (HSTCC)

10/28/2026

October 28, 2026 MoDOT Pushes for Fourth Consecutive Year of Fewer Fatalities Headed into the Holidays

JEFFERSON CITY – As Missouri marks a decade of the Buckle Up Phone Down movement, it also nears an accomplishment not seen since 2011: four years in a row of declining roadway fatalities. To keep the momentum, the Missouri Department of Transportation is urging drivers to use safe driving practices heading into the holiday and winter season. Wednesday marks the 10th annual Buckle Up Phone Down Day, when various safety partners, schools and businesses throughout the state and nationwide promote personal responsibility and safe behavior behind the wheel.

To date in 2026, 716 people have died on Missouri roadways. More than half of those killed in vehicles were unbuckled. Distracted driving also remains a leading cause of crashes in Missouri. In 2025, distracted driving was cited in crashes that claimed 97 lives, though the actual number is likely higher due to the underreporting of distracted drivers.

“We’ve made progress in reducing fatalities each of the last three years, but if we want to achieve a fourth year in a row of reductions, we’re going to need everyone’s help,” said MoDOT State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Jon Nelson. “BUPD Day represents a call to action for everyone to make the simple decisions that keep our roads safe. Simply deciding to wear your seat belt and put down the phone while driving will help us get closer to where we want to be.”

Despite notable progress in recent years, the months of November and December represent a real threat to ending Missouri’s fatality reduction streak. With increased travel, holiday gatherings, shorter days, and potential for adverse weather, it is imperative drivers remain vigilant in the coming months if Missouri is to maintain the current momentum. Last year, 144 people were killed in Missouri traffic crashes from November 1 to December 31.

“Since launching BUPD, we’ve seen tremendous strides in the form of increased seat belt usage and a decreasing percentage of unbuckled fatalities,” said Nelson. “But distracted and aggressive driving continue to be major concerns. These next two months are not only critical in ending the year with another reduction but also ensuring you make it to your holiday gatherings safely.”

Drivers can accept the challenge to BUPD at modot.org/bupd and spread the word on social media using the hashtags and .

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For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, signup for e-updates.

In Missouri, it is illegal to hold or support a cell phone or an electronic communication device in your hand, lap, or other parts of the body while driving on Missouri roads. Approximately 70% of drivers using cell phones in Missouri traffic crashes were 22 years of age or older. We are challenging...

10/21/2026

MoDOT Announces Locations of Increased Interstate Speed Limits

For more information, contact Assistant Communications Director Patrick Flesch at 573.616.7810.

Oct. 21, 2026—For immediate release

MoDOT Announces Locations of Increased Interstate Speed Limits

JEFFERSON CITY – Following a comprehensive review, the Missouri Department of Transportation announced today the locations of upcoming increases to the speed limit of various interstate corridor segments. These increases are the result of a new law permitting the department to raise the maximum rural highway speed limit to 75 mph, and follows a detailed review within the department of each eligible location.

“The department takes careful consideration of all the different factors that make up a roadway when setting speed limits, including how people use it,” said MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger. “This decision is not made lightly and comes after a detailed study into each of those factors to determine where we can move people and traffic efficiently at higher speeds without sacrificing safety.”

As part of the detailed review process, the department considered the following factors at each eligible location:

Current traffic volumes

Truck traffic volumes

Current speed data

Crash history

Terrain

Road design, including the presence of safety countermeasures

Existing speed limits of border states in eligible areas near the state line

Active construction

As a result, the department has identified the following interstate segments for an increase to the 75-mph speed limit:

I-29:

From Exit 56 in Andrew County to approximately 2.5 miles south of the Iowa border (64 miles)

I-35:

From the northern Cameron city limit to approximately 4 miles south of the Iowa border (55 miles)

I-49:

From the Arkansas border to Exit 24 (24 miles)

From Exit 56 to just south of Exit 101 in Nevada (45 miles)

I-55:

From the Arkansas border to mile marker 16.6 just south of the I-155 interchange (17 miles)

From mile marker 19.8 just north of the MO 84 interchange to mile marker 64.9 at the Rte. AA bridge (45 miles)

From mile marker 70.5 just north of the Rte. HH interchange to mile marker 86.6 just south of the Rte. PP interchange (16 miles)

From mile marker 106.4 just north of Exit 105 to mile marker 164.9 at the Jefferson County line (59 miles)

A map highlighting the approximate segment locations can be found online - 75 MPH Speed Limit Location Map.

MoDOT crews will be working this fall to update the speed limits on these stretches of interstate, which entails updating the posted signs along the highways. Drivers should continue to abide by the posted speed limit along the highways.

“An increased speed limit may allow motorists to reach their destinations faster, but safety must remain a priority,” said Missouri State Highway Patrol Colonel Michael A. Turner. “The Patrol and our traffic safety partners at MoDOT remain committed to reducing the number and severity of traffic crashes in Missouri. It is each driver’s responsibility to make safe decisions while driving. Even with an increase in speed, drivers must stay aware and reduce their speed on rural interstates when necessary. Drive responsibly, stay alert, and adjust your speed for roadway and weather conditions. Each of us have a role to play in making sure everyone gets home safely.”

Like it does for all highways, MoDOT will monitor and evaluate the crash data at these locations and may adjust the speed limit back to 70 mph as necessary.

“Let me emphasize the word ‘limit’ here,” Hassinger said. “The highways across our state were not built for 80+ mph traffic. And a driver is looking at a significantly shorter window to react to the road and conditions around them at that speed. Getting where you’re going safely begins and ends with the decisions you make behind the wheel. If you want to make it where you’re headed safely, buckle up, stay alert, drive sober, and follow the speed limit.”

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MEDIA AVAILABILITY: MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger will be available for interviews from 1-4 p.m. today, Oct. 21. Please coordinate through Assistant Communications Director Patrick Flesch.



For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit

Missouri’s transportation system is a tremendous asset to the citizens of Missouri. The system consists of 33,814 miles of roads and 10,427 bridges, both of which rank among the largest for any state in the nation. The Missouri Department of Transportation working with its statewide regional plann...

10/21/2026

Southwest District Office: (417) 895-7600 October 21, 2026 MoDOT TRAFFIC ALERT: Possible Lane Closures in the Cities of Sarcoxie, Jasper, and Mount Vernon Beginning Sunday, November 1, for Sidewalk Upgrades

Where/When:

Sarcoxie

Missouri Route 37 at 17th Street

Sunday, November 1, until Saturday, November 14

Mount Vernon

Missouri Route 174 between Hasting and Main Street

Business 39 between just north of Williams Creek and Market Street

Sunday, November 1, until Sunday, December 1

Jasper

Jasper County Route H between Middle Street and the railroad tracks

Sunday, November 15, until Sunday, December 1

What: Crews will remove portions of sidewalks and entrances and temporarily replace them with gravel while new pavement is installed. The project includes sidewalk installation and upgrades, entrance upgrades, curb and gutter, and signal upgrades at various locations to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. This is part of the sidewalk upgrades project on various routes in Stone, Taney, Lawrence, Jasper & Newton Counties, which began in July 2026.

Traffic Impacts:

Drivers may encounter flaggers, lane closures, and traffic shifts where crews are working

Driveway concrete replaced in half sections, and temporary gravel driveways will be provided to allow access to the property

Drivers urged to find alternate routes. No signed detours planned.

Signs will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closures/traffic impacts

Weather and/or construction delays will alter the work schedule.

Project Information:

Branco Enterprises, Inc., Springfield, is doing the work for a low bid amount of $1,025,005.09.

The project is to be completed by December 14, 2026.

10/21/2026

October 21, 2026 TRAFFIC ALERT: Ramps CLOSED at Route 60 & Route 59 in Newton Co. Oct. 23 for Paving

Where: Northbound Missouri Route 59-to-U.S. Route 60 off ramp and U.S. Route 60-to-southbound Missouri Route 59 on ramp northeast of Neosho in Newton County

When: 6 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday, October 23

What: Contractor crews paving the ramps

Traffic Impacts:

Ramps closed one at a time where crews are working

No signed detours

Drivers urged to find alternate routes

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.

Additional Information: This work is part of a project to resurface a stretch of U.S. Route 60 between the Missouri/Oklahoma state line to Missouri Route 37 in Monett, and rehabilitate three bridges in Newton County.

Project information:

Prime contractor: Blevins Asphalt Construction Co., Mt. Vernon

Total project cost: $6.2 million

Completion date: November 1, 2026

10/14/2026

Southwest District Office: (417) 895-7600 October 14, 2026 TRAFFIC ALERT: Route 43 Bridge Over Elk River OPEN in McDonald County

Where: Missouri Route 43 bridge over Elk River in McDonald County west of Anderson

When: As of 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 14

Details: The bridge was closed in May to allow contractor crews to replace it with a new structure. The new bridge is 31 feet longer, six (6) feet wider and slightly higher than the original one. In addition, the contractor added object markers at either end of the bridge, permanent pavement striping and stabilized the Elk River bank near the bridge.

Project Information:

Prime contractor: West Plains Bridge & Grading LLC, West Plains

Project cost: $5.1 million

10/06/2026

October 06, 2026

TRAFFIC ALERT: Route M CLOSED in Jasper Co. for RR Crossing Repairs Oct. 15-16


Where: Jasper County Route M west of I-49 south of Jasper

When: Thursday-Friday, October 15-16

What: Route M CLOSED while railroad crews make repairs to crossing

Traffic Impacts:

All lanes of Route M CLOSED at railroad crossing
Drivers will have access to driveways and entrances at either end of the work zone but will not be able to travel through the work zone
No signed detours
Drivers urged to find alternate routes
Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone
Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.

10/05/2026

October 05, 2026

TRAFFIC ALERT: Route 43 CLOSED in Newton Co. for RR Crossing Repairs Oct. 12-14


Where: Missouri Route 43 (Cherokee Avenue) between Oneida Street and Newton County Route K (Frisco Street) in Seneca

When: Around the clock Monday-Wednesday, October 12-14

What: Route 43 CLOSED while railroad crews make repairs to crossing

Traffic Impacts:

All lanes of Route 43 (Cherokee Avenue) CLOSED at railroad crossing
Drivers will have access to driveways and entrances at either end of the work zone but will not be able to travel through the work zone
No signed detoursDrivers urged to find alternate routes
Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone
Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.

10/05/2026

October 05, 2026 Progress Update for Route 66 Improvement Project for Week of Oct. 5

Joplin – A project to make pavement, sidewalk, traffic and safety improvements along Missouri Route 66 (7th Street) in Joplin is underway. Here is an update of the work scheduled for the week of September 21.

Drivers are reminded that access to all businesses along Route 66 (7th Street) will be maintained during hours of operation.

Work scheduled:

Contractor installing new storm sewer on the north side of Route 66 (7th Street) between Highland Avenue and Patterson Avenue

Florida Avenue currently CLOSED on both sides of Route 66 (7th Street) for pavement replacement, installation of new traffic signal infrastructure and to accommodate temporary traffic shift

Contractor coordinating with utility companies to complete traffic signal installation at Florida Avenue

Contractor is working on pavement replacement for north half of Route 66 (7th Street) between McConnell Avenue and Ozark Avenue

Liberty Electric preparing for upcoming relocation work on north side of Route 66 (7th Street) between St. Louis Avenue and Murphy Boulevard

Liberty Electric coordinating relocations of light poles with other utility companies between Main Street and Virginia Avenue

Missouri American Water doing water line relocation and tie-in work on north side of Route 66 (7th Street) between Virginia Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue

City of Joplin doing sanitary sewer work on Kentucky Avenue north of Route 66 (7th Street)

City of Joplin planning night work for pipe crossing under Route 66 (7th Street) at Kentuck Avenue starting Monday, October 5

City of Joplin planning additional intermittent daytime traffic shifts on Route 66 (7th Street) between Pennsylvania Avenue and Kentucky Avenue

AT&T planning for relocation work at alley way between Pearl Avenue and Wall Avenue

Bluebird Fiber working on fiber relocation

Sparklight preparing for relocation of overhead lines at Route 66 (7th Street) and Florida Avenue

Traffic Impacts:

At least one lane of Route 66 (7th Street) OPEN in both directions

Access to all business will be maintained during hours of operation

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

No signed detours

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.

Project Details:

The project will make improvements along the Route 66 (7th Street) corridor in Joplin between Jasper County Route P (Schifferdecker Avenue) and Loop 49 (Range Line Road).

As part of this project, the contractor will rebuild the pavement, bring sidewalks up to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and upgrade and replace several traffic signals along the corridor.

This contract also includes a project to rehabilitate the Oak Street bridge over I-49 in Carthage. That project is likely to start in 2027.

Project Information:

Prime Contractor: D&E Plumbing & Heating LLC, Nixa

Construction Cost: $61.6 million

Contract Completion Date: December 1, 2028

09/30/2026

Route 160/North Fork Spring River Bridge Replacement in Barton Co. Focus of Virtual Public Meeting

Barton County – The public is invited to a virtual (online) public meeting starting Friday, October 16, to learn more about plans to replace the U.S. Route 160 bridge over the North Fork Spring River in Barton County, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

The meeting will be available from Friday, October 16 through Thursday, October 29 and can be accessed at the project webpage here.

The bridge, approximately 2.5 miles north of Golden City, is a single-lane bridge built in 1928 and will be replaced with a new structure that is 117 feet longer and eight feet wider than the current one. In addition, the contractor will add permanent pavement markings, guardrail and rumble strips to the ends of the new bridge.

We are committed to providing equal access to this event for all participants. Access for people with disabilities is available. If you need a reasonable accommodation or assistance in another language, please contact Southwest District Customer Service at [email protected] or 417-895-7600

09/29/2026

Southwest District Office: (417) 895-7600 September 29, 2026 TRAFFIC ALERT: Davis Blvd. CLOSED in Joplin for Relocation Project Beginning Sept. 30

Where: Davis Boulevard between 27th Street and Route FF (32nd Street) in Joplin

When: Wednesday, September 30 for the duration of the project

What: Contractor crews CLOSING Davis Boulevard as part of a project to relocate the street approximately 1,000 feet to the east and connect it with Stephens Boulevard

Traffic Impacts:

Davis Boulevard CLOSED between 27th Street and Route FF (32nd Street) in Joplin

Access to the General Mills facility will be maintained throughout the project

Traffic will be directed along a signed detour using Route FF (32nd Street), Range Line Road and 20th StreetDrivers urged to find alternate routes

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.

Additional Details: The work to relocate Davis Boulevard is to make room for a future project to build a bridge over the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Railroad at Route FF (32nd Street).

Project Information:

Prime contractor: Hartman & Company Inc., Springfield

Total project cost: $2.9 million

Completion date: December 1, 2026