MSHP targets I-70 work zone crashes after 25 collisions in Columbia since May 1

COLUMBIA MO. (KMIZ)

Tthe Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging drivers to stay alert following a string of recent crashes near Columbia.

Columbia Fire and Rescue Dispatch logs show 25 collisions have occurred in construction zones on Interstate 70 in the city since May 1, six of which occurred this week.

Lairyn McGregor, a Missouri Department of Transportation spokesperson for the Improve I-70 project, said, "MoDOT work zones are designed by professional engineers to meet both federal and state standards while maintaining efficiency for the traveling public."

The Improve I-70 Project aims to make the interstate a three-lane highway both ways across the state.

McGregor said MoDOT is partnering with law enforcement to keep drivers at the posted speed limits, adding, MoDOT is constantly working with first responders to "monitor the work zones and make adjustments as needed."

Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Kyle Green said most of the wrecks on I-70 stem from distracted driving.

"Inattention, individuals are paying attention to their phones and doing other things in there vehicle. Not being aware of their surroundings or noticing traffic slowing ahead of lowering their speeds," he said.

When it comes to extra enforcement in construction zones, MSHP uses a "three-prong" approach.

The first prong, is to have either extra officers in the area or to run special projects that will target certain things in a construction zone.

In addition to the extra officers, the department also utilizes extra signage by adding radar signs warning drivers to slow down and MoDOT sign boards to warn drivers of construction ahead. MSHP is also taking to social media to spread awareness about work zone dangers.

"We put a lot of stuff out on social media warning them of construction zone projects and certain areas of concern," Green said.

The biggest way Green said you can protect yourself on the roadways is to pay attention.

"We want everyone to make safety a priority, so making sure you are following the speed limit, putting away any distractions, and watching traffic that may be slowed ahead," Green said.

Green added that last night MSHP responded to an incident on westbound I-70 on Thursday night at the 121-mile marker in Boone County because of exactly that.

"Traffic was stopped for construction, and a tractor-trailer failed to see the stopped traffic ahead and drove into the back of four or five vehicles," Green said.

When it comes to responding to the vehicle collision in I-70 construction zones, the Columbia Fire Department said it is always a challenge and high risk.

CFD spokeswoman Skyler Clark said the department uses "traffic incident management platforms" to prepare for responses.

The platform was developed to teach fist responders how to safely and quickly clear traffic incidents. She added that CFD uses the platform to help learn how to mitigate collisions faster.