Highway 34: Drive with caution

Highway 34 from Jackson west into the Ozarks where it ends near Van Buren, Mo., has always tested the mettle of motorists. Its curves and hills require alertness and attention to speed.

Construction at the Highway 34-72 intersection on the western edge of Jackson has added to the obstacles for traffic. Numerous fender benders have occurred as traffic is channeled through the construction zone. The Missouri State Highway Patrol urges the 10,000 motorists a day who go through that work area to slow down, observe traffic markers and use caution.

Another five-mile stretch of Highway 34 west of Marble Hill, including the area heavily traveled by those going to and from Woodland School, also is getting attention. It has been designated as a Travel Safe Zone. Fines for traffic infractions along that part of the highway will be doubled. The aim is to make highway users drive more carefully.