Changes Coming to Hwy 50 in Lee's Summit

Two fatal crashes last fall have led to the Missouri Department of Transportation taking action to improve safety on US 50 in Lee's Summit. Both accidents were of the head-on crossover variety. Soon after, there was a call for the installation of guard cable between the east and westbound lanes.

Steel guard cables are an extremely effective in preventing injuries and fatalities in crossover accidents. They consist of a strong steel cable run between posts to prevent vehicles from crossing the median into oncoming traffic. Rarely does a collision with the cable lead to any injuries, let alone fatalities. They have been used successfully since the 1960's, but their use has really taken off since the mid 90's. Cable barriers are also relatively low cost.

Installation of the barriers in Lee's Summit started on Monday. The left lanes of both directions will be closed during evening hours (after 7PM) while the work is being completed. The cables will be installed in the median of Hwy 50 between I-470 and the 3rd Street Exit. As an additional safety precaution, the speed limit has been lowered on US 50 between 470 and Todd George Rd. The Maximum speed has dropped from 65 to 60 effective Tuesday, May 3rd.

Recent Fatal crashes on KS 10 in Johnson County have led for calls to install the system there as well. KDOT is currently studying the problem at that location.

Kansas City Police Announce Sobriety Checkpoints For This Weekend

Checkpoints Kansas City - DUI - Sept 24th 25th

When going out on the town this weekend, make sure you save some cash for a cab or strap on some comfortable walking shoes. Driving may be a bad idea, given that the Kansas City Police Department has announced it will be conducting several sobriety checkpoints all weekend long in the Kansas City metro area.

The police are not releasing the times and locations of the checkpoints, however given that 80% of Kansas City roads are closed as usual due to construction, it may be hard to avoid the checkpoints when entering and leaving the downtown area. The police did mention that the checkpoints will occur at areas known for having DUI related crashes or arrests. Signs will be placed in advance of the checkpoints.

Kansas City Police have been able to make several arrests every time checkpoints are set up, however drunken driving arrests have decreased since the police started announcing the sobriety checkpoints in advance. Hopefully this warning scares more people into finding an alternative way home when they have been drinking.

Traffic Deaths Reach a 60 Year Low

Traffic Deaths Reach a 60 Year Low

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released data regarding Traffic Fatalities for 2009. Their findings showed the lowest number of fatalities ever recorded. The telling statistic is 1.13 traffic deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. The drop has been attributed to several factors. Most notably, new, safer vehicles. Every year vehicles are equipped with better technology to increase survivability of automobile accidents. Rollover technology and improved braking systems lead the way. Seat belt use is also up, and drunk driving down, though drinking still plays a role in over 30% of fatal accidents. One "expert" also cited less distracted driving as a potential factor, although it seems to me about half the people on the road are on the phone at any given time.

Locally, Missouri and Kansas generally followed the same trend. 2008 was the lowest year on record for traffic deaths in Kansas and they only had 2 more (386) in 2009. Missouri's fatal crashes were the lowest in 60 years. Missouri can probably thank a huge improvement in their road quality. A perennial laughing stock - in the last several years, quality roads has been a priority in the Show Me State. The economy can also not be ruled out as a factor. People are taking less vacations - shorter distances from home than in the past. Less nights out for the family (more folks staying at home and not driving) also would play a role.

Lets hope this trend continues. Vehicles on the road will get even safer as older models are traded in for newer ones. Awareness of distracted driving is increasing, and seat belt use is becoming commonplace. Stiffer penalties for drinking and driving could help reduce the number of drinking related crashes.

Massive Crashes on I-70

Kansas City police and rescue workers had their hands full last night, with a multiple vehicle crash taking place on I-70 east of the sports complex. The accidents occured when Chiefs fans were on their way to Arrowhead Stadium before the Chiefs' final preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. The pileup comes on the heels of Kansas roads being named third best in the nation.


Around 12 vehicles were estimated to have been in a single crash, which occured on I-70 near Pittman road. The crash closed the eastbound lanes on I-70, and several people were taken to the hospital for injuries. Reports now indicate that traffic is flowing freely again, however there has been no news on the injuries.

Given the chaotic nature of driving to and from football games, it is surprising that incidents like the one that happened last night are not frequent. Traffic is intense, people are continuously trying to move into a better position and alcohol is often involved. Hopefully this crash will make Cheifs and Royals' fans more cautious when driving to and from the stadium.

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Three Trails Crossing Bridge Reopens This Morning

Three Trails Crossing Bridge Reopens This Morning

The Three Trails Crossing Ramp repair has been completed. On July 17th, the approach to a bridge connecting I-470 west to I-435 West collapsed. The Collapse was caused by excessive rain that deteriorated the soil beneath the roadway. This left a huge gap of collapsed road leading to the bridge. Thankfully there were no accidents or injuries caused.

For the last several weeks, drivers from the southern suburbs in Missouri have been subjected to a complicated series of detours that have added many minutes to morning commutes. Engineers and geologists have been studying the collapse and have no definitive answers about a cause.

A 225 foot long bridge extensin was constructed to connect the undamaged roadway to the existing collector bridge to I-435. The project was completed 19 days early and cost 5.2 Million dollars. That figure includes a bonus for finishing early. Maybe the Kansas City Water Department should study this project to improve their efficiency! The phrase "completed early" worries me a little since I have to travel over the repair daily.