MoDOT says Route O could get safety improvements in next five years
UPDATE (3/23 6:00 p.m.): The Missouri Department of Transportation officials said Route O could be due for safety upgrades in the next few years if funding comes through.
District engineer Mike Schuup said since MoDOT has limited funding, Route O isn’t currently in its five year plan but if he is able to secure funding, they’d like to add some improvements to the often treacherous road.
“It’s going to have a new surface,” he said. “It’ll have edge line rumble strips and a two foot shoulder, which will help with the feeling as you’re driving the road.”
They’ve tried to make it a little safer in the meantime. There are warning signs about hidden intersecting roads and driveways. Schuup said they don’t allow passing on the road.
“Pretty much the entire road is striped a double yellow,” he said. “It’s a no passing road because there’s just not enough sight distance due to the hills and curves.”
Until they’re able to make improvements, Schuup said drivers should drive for conditions which includes obeying the 55 miles per hour speed limit, and always wearing a seatbelt.
“Distracted driving is a huge cause of accidents,” he said. “Two thirds on Missouri roadway fatalities are unbelted.”
UPDATE (3/23 4:30 a.m.): One person is dead after a single-car crash Thursday on Route O in Boone County.
A Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report said the driver of the vehicle, Amber Light, 22, died after being taken to the hospital.
Three other people in the car, including an infant, received minor injuries and were taken to the hospital by ambulance. The passengers were Autum Light, 20, Trevor Light, 13, and Jayden Light, 0.
The crash report said the car became airborne after driving off a hill and went off the side of the road. The driver was thrown from the vehicle.
Original story: One car has flipped over after a crash on Route O and Sontag Drive on Thursday.
The crash happened south of I-70. There’s at least one person seriously injured.
ABC 17 has reached out to Missouri State Highway Patrol and is working to find out for more details.
