Friday, December 8, 2006
Contact: Brian Hauswirth, 573-751-0290
Blunt Congratulates MoDOT for 2,200 Miles of Smoother, Safer Roads
JEFFERSON CITY–Saying the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) met his challenge to overhaul 2,200 miles of highway by the end of 2006, Gov. Matt Blunt this morning praised the Department for completing the Smooth Roads Initiative.
“Improving state highways will not just provide Missourians with better driving conditions; it will also save lives and reduce injuries,” Blunt said. “I am proud to let all Missourians know we are delivering these improvements a full year ahead of schedule.”
Blunt issued a challenge to MoDOT during his January 2006 State of the State address to complete their initiative by the end of this year, one year ahead of the original target completion date. Noting the department had been criticized in the past, Blunt said he based his challenge on the fact he was seeing results that indicated MoDOT had turned the corner.
The Smooth Roads Initiative was a major component of a plan developed after Missourians overwhelmingly approved Amendment 3 in November 2004. Workers placed more than 12 million tons of asphalt in 2005 and 2006, and the miles included in the Smooth Roads Initiative comprise 60 percent of all traffic on the state system. Amendment 3 provided critical funding for the road work. The other two components of the plan are accelerating key projects and new construction, both of which are happening.
Blunt also noted the Smooth Roads Initiative has dramatically improved safety and has helped to attract new businesses to the state.
In addition to MoDOT Director Pete Rahn, Blunt was joined by House Transportation Committee Chairman Neal St. Onge, State Rep. Bill Deeken, State Rep. Mark Bruns, and Missouri Highways and Transportation Commissioners Mike Kehoe and David Gach.
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