The Missouri Department of Transportation is taking additional measures to accommodate an expected increase in traffic due to the Independence Day holiday.
According to a news release, on Missouri’s interstates and most heavily-traveled roads, no additional lane restrictions will be put in place on July 4, 5 and 6 during daylight hours. There are some lane and bridge closures already in place around the state, and these will remain in place during the holiday and subsequent weekend.
With more people expected on Missouri’s roads, State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Nicole Hood urges motorists to not drive distracted; buckle up; don’t talk nor text on your phone while driving; obey the speed limit; and don’t drink and drive.
AAA predicts that almost 47 million Americans will be traveling 50 miles or more from home during the six-day stretch around the holiday. Motorists may encounter congestion in the late afternoon as commuters leaving work early mix with holiday travelers.
Last year, 26 people were killed and 469 were injured in 1,076 traffic crashes in Missouri during the holiday counting period.
More information can be found on MoDOT’s interactive traveler information map at www.traveler.modot.org/map or by calling (888) ASK-MODOT (275-6636).