‘It’s extremely dangerous’: Drivers maneuver around closed road signs
Several roads in Mid-Missouri are closed as the Missouri River crests, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation Traveler Map.
Despite the signage telling drivers ” Road Closed, ” many on Route 179 chose to maneuver around the signs and through the foot-deep water.
” The most minor thing that could happen really is that your car gets flooded and you have to wait it out, ” said Sgt. Scott White of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s central district, called Troop F. ” But if there’s any moving water, and we do see that here in Troop F, (then) you can easily get swept off of the roadway. ”
Ignoring the road closure signs, which are put up by MODOT, could cost you. White said they ticketed some drivers recently for moving barricades on Route 94, which was closed due to flooding. Drivers were also fined for driving on portions of the Katy trail.
” A ticket is the least of your worries, ” White said. ” It’s extremely dangerous, and a violation of the law to drive around them. ”
Additional road closures in Mid-Missouri are possible but are not necessarily expected with current forecasts. The ABC 17 Stormtrack weather team is calling for a possible second crest early next week due to expected rain. ” Water can rise quickly over the roadways, ” White said.
