MoDOT Urges Caution as Construction Season Begins

As Missouri prepares for one of the largest construction seasons in its history, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is urging drivers to “Work with Us” by making safe driving decisions in and around work zones. The reminder comes during National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 21–25, and amid an expected surge in roadwork across the state.

MoDOT officials say motorists will encounter between 800 and 1,000 active work zones daily throughout the 2024 construction season—more than ever before. With so much activity on Missouri roads, driver caution is critical to protecting the lives of workers and travelers alike.

"In each of these work zones are men and women simply doing their job to construct and maintain a transportation system that makes our lives better," said Jon Nelson, MoDOT’s State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer. “Stay alert and slow down to keep them safe.”

In 2024, 23 people were killed in Missouri work zone crashes, with distracted driving contributing to at least four of those fatalities and more than 350 total crashes. Speeding and inattention remain the leading causes of work zone incidents.

MoDOT is emphasizing compliance with Missouri’s Move Over Law, which requires drivers to change lanes—when safe—when approaching MoDOT, law enforcement, or other emergency vehicles with flashing lights. If a lane change isn’t possible, drivers must reduce speed and proceed cautiously.

The department is also highlighting the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law, enacted to curb cell phone use behind the wheel. Since the law took effect, MoDOT has seen promising signs: work zone vehicle strikes were cut nearly in half, and work zone fatalities declined in 2024.

“While we’re encouraged by the progress, we still have a lot of work to do,” Nelson said. “High speeds and distractions remain our greatest threats. That’s why we continue to ask Missourians to ‘work with us’ by putting down the phone and slowing down.”

Drivers can prepare for upcoming roadwork by checking MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at www.traveler.modot.org, where they can find up-to-date details about construction zones along their routes.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.