Missouri Department of Transportation

The recommendations in the report are for safety improvements to the state’s three passenger rail lines. They come a little more than one year after a train-truck crash killed four people.

Included in the budget passed by lawmakers this session and signed by Gov. Mike Parson in June was around $2.8 billion to expand I-70 to three lanes in each direction. On Wednesday, commissioners approved the first steps of acquiring that money.

The Senate appropriations chief is floating a bond-funded plan to beef up a Interstate 70 project to add new lanes across the state.

The Department of Transportation is asking volunteers to help pick up litter along I-70, 170, and I-55 and reminding people hauling trash to secure their loads.

Much of Gov. Mike Parson’s $859 million plan to widen three sections of Interstate 70 will have to be pared back if lawmakers divert funds to other highways, Missouri Department of Transportation Director Patrick McKenna said.

The resolution gives the state legislature appropriations power over the state road fund, which is now under the control of the Transportation Department. Because it’s a proposed constitutional amendment, it must be approved by voters to go into effect.

Missouri and Illinois, which jointly own the existing bridge, have been planning a replacement for years and hoping that funding would become available.

The legislation would make a first offense an infraction, with a fine of up to $50, and two points on the driver’s record.

The Missouri Department of Transportation proposes three improvement options along Kingshighway and Jefferson Avenue between Chouteau and Forest Park avenues.

Road crews are preparing for a blizzard Thursday expected to bring bitter cold and deadly wind chills just as Christmas travel begins.