MoDOT advises on state highway flood status

As Missourians gear up for the weekend, the Missouri Department of Transportation is providing the following update on flooded roads throughout the state to ensure safe travels.

As of 4 p.m. on Aug. 9:

· All lanes of Interstate 44 across the state are open.

· All lanes of U.S. 63 throughout the state are open.

· U.S. 50 remains closed at Mt. Sterling. The detour for westbound travelers on Route 50 is Missouri 28 to U.S. 63 to U.S. 50. Motorists headed eastbound on 50 should take Route 63 and exit onto Route 28 and then return to Route 50.

· Thirty-two numbered and lettered routes throughout the state are closed due to flooding - about two-thirds of those are in central and southern Missouri.

"With I-44 and Route 63 open, Route 50 is the only major roadway still closed due to flooding," said MoDOT Central District Engineer David Silvester. "Even as our road conditions begin to return to normal, we can't emphasize enough the need for people to continue to check our website at http://www.modot.org for the latest travel conditions."

Silvester said motorists can also call MoDOT toll-free at 1-888-275-6636 to speak with a customer service representative. The department's call center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or they can visit the Traveler Information Map at http://maps.modot.mo.gov/timi/ .

Motorists should use extra caution in their travels during this time and never attempt to drive around roadway barriers or attempt to cross flooded roadways. MoDOT also recommends allowing extra travel time if detours are necessary.