MoDOT: 'Rate Our Work Zone'

Thursday, April 19, 2012
Travelers who go through work zones like this one along U.S. 71 north of Nevada are encouraged to give feedback on the experience to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is looking for feedback about its work zones. Motorists can take part in the department's "Rate Our Work Zone" program by visiting modot.org and filling out a Work Zone Customer Survey.

The "Rate Our Work Zone" initiative is part of Missouri's Work Zone Awareness Week April 23-27. The week is used as a way to highlight the need to drive safely in work zones.

Questions on the survey ask whether a work zone's signs and cones are easy to see and follow, a flagger's directions are clear and the reduced speed limit is appropriate.

While drivers are being asked to look critically at a work zone, they still must focus on driving safely through it.

People should fill out a survey after they get home or arrive at work even if they have a "smart phone" and can text from the road.

The survey can be e-mailed, mailed or faxed to MoDOT.

A survey can be completed on any work zone on a state-maintained road.

As weather warms up, more construction and maintenance work can be done on roads and bridges. That means drivers should be prepared for more road closings, lane closings, lane shifts and other disruptions.

MoDOT and contractor crews will put up flashing electronic message signs, orange signs and cones to mark work zones. Flaggers will be posted in many work zones to help guide drivers. Large pieces of construction equipment will be maneuvering into and out of work zones.

When approaching a work zone, MoDOT advises drivers to slow down, obey signs and flaggers and avoid distractions like talking on a cell phone.

A press release noted that MoDOT's revenues are declining and Missourians can expect to see fewer major construction projects, but MoDOT is committed to keeping the existing system in good condition. That effort will include a significant number of resurfacing, chip-seal and diamond-grinding projects to improve and preserve road surfaces.

Another 14 bridges will be replaced or rehabilitated this year under MoDOT's Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement program, including one on U.S. 71 near Nevada .

Road and bridge construction work already in the pipeline means drivers still will have to negotiate major work zones in several southwest Missouri locations this year.

Several interchange, overpass and outer road construction projects will be completed along U.S. 71 south of Kansas City. By December, the road is expected to be designated as Interstate 49 between Kansas City and Pineville.

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