MoDOT addresses construction, traffic ahead of busy holiday travel weekend
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Missouri Department of Transportation addressed construction and traffic Thursday ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, as lawmakers consider suspending the gas tax -- a crucial funding source for Missouri roads.
About 39.1 million travelers will hit the road between Thursday and Monday, which is a 0.1% increase nationally, according to AAA.
MoDOT and MSHP leaders urged caution in work zones over the weekend and said speeds won't be reduced in work zones that don't have barriers and lane shifts in place.
Gas prices in Missouri are over $1.30 more expensive now compared to last year, when the state average was $2.87, according to AAA. About 800,000 Missourians are packing the car this weekend, down 0.1% statewide compared to last year.
State Rep. Tricia Byrnes (R-Wentzville) has offered a potential solution to temporarily lower gas prices --temporarily suspending the gas tax.
“Missouri families are paying more than $1.30 extra on every gallon compared to this time last year. The legislature raised this tax without a public vote in 2021. We can pause it without a public vote. I’m drafting a bill and I’m asking Governor Kehoe to call us back to Jefferson City to pass it,” Byrnes said in a news release.
The tax takes over 29 cents per gallon at the pump, and more than 21 cents goes to MoDOT. The department receives $2.2 billion a year in total from its user fee, which includes the fuel tax, registration and licensing fees and motor vehicle sales taxes. The tax brings in the highest amount of revenue.
"The Missouri Department of Transportation is aware of the discussions taking place among lawmakers regarding the motor fuel tax, which funds transportation work in our state. At this time, it would be premature for the department to comment or speculate on potential legislative actions or their impacts," MoDOT spokesperson Jacob Luecke said via email.
MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger reiterated that sentiment at the press conference.
"We're aware of the efforts, but until we know what that really looks like, it's pretty premature to comment on that," Hassinger said.
Byrnes sent Gov. Mike Kehoe a letter Tuesday, asking him to call a special session to move forward with suspending the gas tax.
Check back for updates.
