50 Facts About Modot

MoDOT: A Pillar of Missouri's Infrastructure

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is essential for keeping the state's roads safe and efficient. Established in 1941, MoDOT has grown into a multifaceted organization with numerous responsibilities. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about MoDOT.

1. Establishment: MoDOT was created in 1941 to improve and maintain Missouri's highway system.

2. Commissioners: Governed by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, MoDOT has six commissioners appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.

Regional Operations and Central Management

MoDOT's operations are spread across various regions, each managed by dedicated district offices. The Central Office oversees these operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

3. District Offices: MoDOT has seven district offices located in Northwest, Northeast, Kansas City, Central, Southwest, Southeast, and St. Louis.

4. Central Office: The main administrative hub, the Central Office, oversees all district operations and provides strategic direction.

5. Employees: As of 2022, MoDOT employs around 4,700 salaried workers, making it one of the largest state transportation departments in the U.S.

6. Budget: Managing a budget of over $6 billion in funded projects as of 2024, MoDOT supports various initiatives from road construction to safety programs.

Traveler Information and Safety

MoDOT offers extensive resources to keep travelers informed and safe on Missouri's roads.

7. Highway Features: The official state highway map includes over 4,000 highway shields and 1,500 towns, along with road closures, work zones, and scenic byways.

8. Traveler Information: MoDOT provides traveler information through maps and guides like the Traveler Information Map, Gateway Guide, and Kansas City Scout.

9. Bicycles and Pedestrians: Resources and guidelines for cyclists and pedestrians ensure safe travel.

10. Commuter Lots: Managed commuter lots offer convenient parking options for daily commuters.

11. Flood Information: MoDOT provides flood information to help travelers plan safe routes during flood events.

12. Highway Features: Detailed info on highway features such as rest areas, welcome centers, and scenic byways is available on MoDOT's website.

13. Road Closures and Delays: The department keeps the public informed about road closures and delays through its website and mobile app.

14. Scenic Byways: Promoting scenic byways, MoDOT offers unique driving experiences through Missouri's picturesque landscapes.

15. Sign Up for E-Mail & Text Alerts: Travelers can sign up for e-mail and text alerts to receive updates on road conditions and other important information.

16. Winter Driving Tips: MoDOT provides winter driving tips to help travelers navigate safely during harsh weather conditions.

17. Winter Road Report: Issuing a winter road report, the department informs the public about current road conditions.

Construction and Environmental Initiatives

MoDOT is committed to both construction efficiency and environmental sustainability.

18. Work Zone Safety: Emphasizing work zone safety, MoDOT provides information and resources to ensure the safety of workers and travelers.

19. Road Work: Managing a wide range of road work projects, from routine maintenance to major construction initiatives.

20. Project Cameras: Using project cameras, MoDOT monitors and manages construction sites to ensure projects are completed efficiently and safely.

21. Alternative Fuels: Supporting alternative fuels, MoDOT promotes environmentally friendly transportation options.

22. At Home Training: Offering at-home training programs for employees, enhancing their skills and knowledge in various areas of transportation management.

23. Being Green: Committed to sustainability, MoDOT implements green practices in all aspects of its operations.

24. Design-Build: Using design-build methods for some projects, MoDOT combines design and construction phases to streamline the process.

25. Diversity & Inclusion: Promoting diversity and inclusion, MoDOT fosters a workplace environment that values diversity and encourages inclusion.

26. Environmental Studies: Conducting environmental studies, MoDOT assesses the impact of transportation projects on the environment and develops strategies for minimizing harm.

27. External Civil Rights: Ensuring compliance with external civil rights laws, MoDOT makes sure all projects are free from discrimination.

Safety and Preservation

Safety and historical preservation are key priorities for MoDOT.

28. Highway Safety: Prioritizing highway safety, MoDOT implements various programs and initiatives to reduce accidents and improve road safety.

29. Historic Preservation: The Historic Preservation Section researches and protects historical sites and structures related to transportation projects.

30. Litter Pick Up: Organizing litter pick-up events, MoDOT keeps Missouri's highways clean and beautiful.

31. Long Range Plan: Developing a long-range plan, MoDOT guides its strategic direction to meet transportation needs over the long term.

32. Memorial Designations: Designating highways and bridges in memory of notable individuals or events, MoDOT honors their contributions to the state.

Multimodal and Research Initiatives

MoDOT supports various modes of transportation and engages in research to stay updated with the latest technologies.

33. Multimodal: Promoting the use of various transportation modes like buses, trains, and bicycles.

34. Planning/Performance Support: Providing planning and performance support to ensure all projects are well-planned and executed efficiently.

35. Partnership Development: Developing partnerships with other agencies and organizations to leverage resources and expertise.

36. Planning Studies: Conducting planning studies to identify transportation needs and develop strategies for addressing them.

37. Research: Engaging in research activities to stay updated with the latest technologies and best practices in transportation management.

38. STIP (State Transportation Improvement Program): Participating in the STIP, a program outlining transportation projects and funding priorities for the state.

Traffic and Carrier Regulations

MoDOT regulates traffic safety and commercial carriers to ensure safe and compliant operations.

39. Traffic Safety: Focusing on traffic safety, MoDOT implements programs to reduce accidents and improve road safety.

40. Motor Carriers: Regulating motor carriers, MoDOT ensures they operate safely and comply with regulations.

41. Household Goods Transport: Overseeing household goods transport, MoDOT ensures moving companies operate safely and efficiently.

42. International Fuel Tax Agreement: Participating in the International Fuel Tax Agreement, MoDOT simplifies fuel tax collection for interstate carriers.

43. International Registration Plan: Part of the International Registration Plan, MoDOT facilitates commercial vehicle registration across state lines.

44. Missouri Operating Authority: Issuing operating authorities to carriers, MoDOT allows them to operate in Missouri.

45. Oversize/Overweight: Regulating oversize and overweight vehicles, MoDOT ensures they operate safely and comply with regulations.

46. Safety & Compliance: Emphasizing safety and compliance, MoDOT implements programs to ensure all carriers operate safely and comply with regulations.

47. Unified Carrier Registration: Participating in the Unified Carrier Registration, MoDOT helps register commercial carriers across the country.

48. Waste Tire Transport: Regulating waste tire transport, MoDOT ensures tires are disposed of safely and responsibly.

Keeping the Public Informed

MoDOT keeps the public informed about its activities and initiatives through various publications and customer service centers.

49. News and Publications: Publishing news articles and reports, MoDOT keeps the public informed about its activities and initiatives.

50. Customer Service: Providing excellent customer service, MoDOT has customer service centers and a toll-free number to assist travelers and carriers.

MoDOT's Vital Role in Missouri

MoDOT, established in 1941, is crucial for Missouri's transportation. Governed by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, it operates seven district offices and a central hub. With around 4,700 employees and a $6 billion budget, MoDOT handles everything from road construction to safety programs.

The department offers extensive traveler info, promotes alternative fuels, and emphasizes work zone safety. It supports multimodal transportation, conducts environmental studies, and ensures compliance with civil rights laws. MoDOT also engages in historic preservation, litter pick-up, and long-range planning.

From regulating motor carriers to managing flood information, MoDOT's responsibilities are vast. It keeps Missouri's highways safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, MoDOT remains a vital part of the state's infrastructure.