Wind and Water Threaten But MoDOT and Carriers Rebuild


After a rough winter, Missourians were relieved to see spring approach…until the normal spring rise on the Mis- sissippi River, supplemented by the rain-swollen Ohio River, grew to a historic flood in Southeast Missouri. Lo- cal carriers had quite a time setting a route when water closed both high and low volume highways.


As that crisis began to subside, a terrifying storm struck Southwest Missouri. The damage inflicted by the Joplin/ Dusquesne tornado stunned experienced emergency workers. Many of our neighbors died. Others lost homes and health. Interstate 44 closed briefly and debris choked many miles of state, city and county roads.


In Northwest and parts of Central Missouri, storm water and melting snow pack from the upper range of the Mis- souri River covered thousands of acres, swallowing homes, farms and roads.


In each case, MoDOT, working with the State Emergency Management Agency, responded to assist citizens and motorists. From deploying new techniques and equip- ment to hold back raging water to rebuilding


demolished city and state traffic signals and spray paint- ing street names on pavement so folks who had lost their landmarks could reorient themselves, MoDOT employees stepped up to help.


The motor carrier community also responded. Special weight allowances meant drivers could carry slightly heavier loads of agricultural products out of flood zones and sand and gravel loads into the fight. Debris haulers cleared roads quickly and are still working to make neigh- borhoods livable in Joplin and Dusquesne.


Drivers and carriers heeded pleas to drive around and not through Joplin. They checked on favorite stops, shops and competitors based in the area. They donated money, volunteered, gave blood and got to work hauling desper- ately needed supplies.


Many of our MoDOT coworkers were personally affected by these events. Water and wind took their homes and belongings, but, we are grateful to say, all survive. For them and on behalf of the millions of Missourians we serve, MoDOT Motor Carrier Services thanks the motor carrier community for sharing the load and stepping up to help.


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