Resurfacing Requires Pilot Car Operation in Clay County

Drivers on Missouri Highway 33 should expect delays beginning Tuesday, Oct. 6, as the Missouri Department of Transportation starts pavement resurfacing and accessibility improvements between U.S. Route 69 and Holt.

Crews will use a pilot car to guide northbound and southbound traffic through the work zone from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day through late October. Motorists may encounter temporary stops and slower travel. The schedule is subject to change because of weather.

When the project reaches the Kearney city limits, crews are expected to move the work to nighttime hours, generally from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

MoDOT is urging drivers to slow down, remain alert and watch for changing traffic patterns. Work zones can include major construction areas as well as short-term lane closures for repairs or debris removal.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Overnight lane closures on I-35 near North Kearney

The Missouri Department of Transportation will perform lane closures on southbound Interstate 35 near North Kearney for pavement repair, overnight, form approximately 7:00 PM until 6:00 AM each night, beginning Monday, Nov. 10 until Wednesday, Nov. 12. Motorists may experience delays. All work is weather permitting.

Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can be moving operations, such as striping, patching or mowing. They can also be short-term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris form the roadway.

For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at //www.modot.org/kansascity.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.

MoDOT Urges Caution as Construction Season Begins

As Missouri prepares for one of the largest construction seasons in its history, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is urging drivers to “Work with Us” by making safe driving decisions in and around work zones. The reminder comes during National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 21–25, and amid an expected surge in roadwork across the state.

MoDOT officials say motorists will encounter between 800 and 1,000 active work zones daily throughout the 2024 construction season—more than ever before. With so much activity on Missouri roads, driver caution is critical to protecting the lives of workers and travelers alike.

"In each of these work zones are men and women simply doing their job to construct and maintain a transportation system that makes our lives better," said Jon Nelson, MoDOT’s State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer. “Stay alert and slow down to keep them safe.”

In 2024, 23 people were killed in Missouri work zone crashes, with distracted driving contributing to at least four of those fatalities and more than 350 total crashes. Speeding and inattention remain the leading causes of work zone incidents.

MoDOT is emphasizing compliance with Missouri’s Move Over Law, which requires drivers to change lanes—when safe—when approaching MoDOT, law enforcement, or other emergency vehicles with flashing lights. If a lane change isn’t possible, drivers must reduce speed and proceed cautiously.

The department is also highlighting the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law, enacted to curb cell phone use behind the wheel. Since the law took effect, MoDOT has seen promising signs: work zone vehicle strikes were cut nearly in half, and work zone fatalities declined in 2024.

“While we’re encouraged by the progress, we still have a lot of work to do,” Nelson said. “High speeds and distractions remain our greatest threats. That’s why we continue to ask Missourians to ‘work with us’ by putting down the phone and slowing down.”

Drivers can prepare for upcoming roadwork by checking MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at www.traveler.modot.org, where they can find up-to-date details about construction zones along their routes.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Permit Work Requires I-35 Lane Closures

Permit work requires MoDOT to temporarily close some interstate lanes this week. Traffic may be impacted by these closures.

Permit work requires temporary lane closures on northbound and southbound I-35. The work will take place just north of the MO Route 291 Interchange or near Mile Marker 18.4 in Liberty on Tuesday, Sept. 10 until Friday, Sept. 13.

Work will be in progress between the hours of 9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily for a fiber optic project. This is not a complete closure, but motorists should expect delays. All work is weather permitting.

Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. They can also be short term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris from the roadway.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Highway 33 Closed due to Culvert Failure

The Missouri Department of Transportation announced the closure of Missouri Highway 33 between Kearney and Holt.

Missouri Route 33 between MO Route CC and Burris Road near Holt and Kearney will be closed until further notice effective Wednesday, August 28. The closure is expected to begin between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm.

The closure is due to a culvert failure according to the Missouri Department of Transportation. The official signed detour for this closure is I-35 in both directions.

The reopening date is currently unknown until the project can be designed, awarded, and replaced.

For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at www.modot.org/kansascity.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.