Missouri launches new website to update public on highway projects

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) recently launched a new website that is a one-stop location for visitors to keep up with Missouri’s 325 system.

The 325 Report, located at www.modot.org/325report, has videos, profiles of MoDOT employees, features on engaged citizens, the commission's publication "View from the Chair," and supporting materials to keep drivers informed on the condition of Missouri's roads, bridges and possible solutions for the funding shortfall.

"This website gives engaged citizens a one-stop location for learning about how MoDOT will maintain Missouri's transportation system as funding levels drop," MoDOT's Chief Financial Officer Roberta Broeker said.

Because Missouri’s funding has been dramatically reduced and the state’s construction budget is $325 million, it will not be able to match federal transportation funds beginning in 2017. In February, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission implemented "Missouri's 325 System," to focus MoDOT's limited resources by separating Missouri's highways into primary and supplementary routes.

Primary routes include around 8,000 miles of Missouri roads that could be maintained in the condition they are in today. Supplementary routes include approximately 26,000 miles that remaining would receive limited, routine maintenance.

"These will be ongoing concerns over the next few years," Broeker said. "While the funding discussion moves forward with our citizens and legislators, the needs of the system continue to grow."