Missouri provides more information to travelers

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri travelers now can access more up-to-date information about what lies ahead on the road.

The Missouri Department of Transportation on Thursday launched an Internet site that combines work zone information, highway closings and weather-related road conditions on one map.

It also has installed 48 electronic message boards along interstates 70 and 44 to provide information about road closings, accidents, hazardous conditions or Amber Alerts about missing children.

Additionally, the department said its toll-free phone number now will be answered 24 hours a day, instead of switching over to an answering machine after normal working hours.

Department Director Pete Rahn said the new "Driving Edge" initiative is intended to help travelers avoid delays and frustrations.

The Internet site is http://www.modot.mo.gov.

The toll-free number is 888-ASK-MODOT.