Paul Barnard
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. (Oct. 14, 2025) — The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) says its ongoing commitment to accountability, innovation, and efficiency has saved taxpayers more than $5.7 billion since 2007—funds reinvested in road improvements, safety measures, and operational resources.
According to MoDOT, $212 million in savings from 2023 alone were redirected to road and bridge projects, while $688 million in cumulative savings were returned to customers. The department’s performance-based approach has included the implementation of advanced safety measures, resulting in an estimated 1,049 lives saved over the past 16 years.
“In every decision we make, we’re focused on delivering results while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” the department stated.
A major shift in MoDOT’s structure came in 2011 with its Bolder Five-Year Direction plan, which reduced 124 facilities, 750 pieces of equipment, and 1,200 employees—moves that have saved the state $1.2 billion over the last decade.
During fiscal year 2023, a 2.5-cent fuel tax increase enabled the state to match federal funds, supporting a review of $11 billion in unfunded transportation needs in coordination with local partners and the public.
Since launching a new internal safety dashboard this year, MoDOT reports dramatic improvements in employee engagement. Participation in its safety observation program surged: observations rose 300%, near-miss reports increased by 675%, and “good catches” jumped by 880%.
Major safety initiatives such as the Smooth Roads Initiative and Better Roads, Brighter Future have improved 5,600 miles of highway, delivering over $1.7 billion in safety benefits and contributing to the saving of 150 lives.
Targeted infrastructure investments, including guard cables, rumble strips, and high-friction surface treatments, have helped reduce run-off-the-road crashes by up to 30%. The use of diverging diamond interchanges (DDIs), now numbering 25 across Missouri, and J-turns have further reduced fatalities and improved traffic flow. In total, MoDOT estimates its safety design strategies have saved 701 lives and yielded $7.4 billion in customer savings.
With more than 200,000 distracted driving-related crashes and 801 fatalities between 2012 and 2021, Missouri has taken bold steps to combat the issue. In June 2023, Gov. Mike Parson signed the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law, which took effect in August and prohibits drivers from using handheld electronic devices while driving.
“We’ve seen a troubling and unacceptable trend of distracted driving crashes,” said MoDOT State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Nicole Hood. “We’re hopeful this law will change the safety culture around phone use while driving and save lives.”
MoDOT’s Buckle Up Phone Down (BUPD) campaign has grown into a national movement since its launch in 2017, with over 38,000 individuals and businesses pledging to drive distraction-free and wear seat belts. The program was recognized as a “First Mover” in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 2023 National Roadway Safety Strategy.
MoDOT is also focusing on improving safety at highway-rail crossings. A $50 million appropriation signed into law in June 2023 will fund upgrades at 47 passive public railroad crossings along three key passenger rail lines. Independent studies are underway to guide improvements on the Southwest Chief, Missouri River Runner, and Texas Eagle lines.
MoDOT officials reaffirmed their dedication to safety and customer service through smart investments, data-driven strategies, and a forward-thinking approach to transportation management.
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