When Roads are Closed, Turn Around – Don’t Drown
JEFFERSON CITY –With heavy rain forecasted across the state over the next few days, the Missouri Department of Transportation cautions motorists that some state routes are expected to close due to flooding. The recent heavy rains have also washed out culverts over smaller streams causing roads to be closed. The already saturated creeks and streams are expected to rise with flash flooding conditions across the state. Currently, more than 30 roads are closed across the state, and those numbers are expected to increase.
Current road closures are posted on the MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map, located at www.modot.org. The map is also available as a free app for your iPhone or Android phone or device. The majority of flooded roadways are expected on lettered and numbered routes with low traffic volumes.
MoDOT offers the following driving tips that can help avoid delays and unsafe conditions during rainy weather:
- Turn on your headlights when windshield wipers are needed. It’s the law.
- Slow down, use caution, and don’t use cruise control when driving in rain to avoid skidding and hydroplaning.
- Leave plenty of following distance behind the vehicle in front of yours.
- Never move or drive around barricades placed on roadways due to high water. Barricades are a warning designed to protect you from an unsafe condition. You can put yourself at serious risk if you proceed into a flooded section of road.
- If a road is closed, find another route.
- Do NOT drive into high water. Stop and turn around. Notify local police, the sheriff or the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
- “Turn Around – Don’t Drown” as highways become impassable.
MoDOT crews will open roads after the water recedes and routes are cleared for safe travel. For more information, visitwww.modot.org or contact the MoDOT Customer Service Center at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636).
