City of Springfield and MoDOT prepare for Holiday Shopping Traffic
November 27, 2014
City of Springfield and MoDOT prepare for holiday shopping traffic
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As holiday shoppers navigate busy Springfield streets around retail centers over the long holiday weekend, traffic engineers with the City of Springfield and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will be on duty at the Transportation Management Center of the Ozarks (TMC).
Beginning early on Black Friday, TMC staff will:
· Monitor traffic cameras for congestion and traffic incidents for extended hours.
· Implement holiday signal timing to improve traffic flow during the busy holiday season.
· Post real-time traffic alerts on dynamic message signs as needed.
Motorists are encouraged to visit the newly redesigned www.ozarkstraffic.info, to check real-time traffic incidents before beginning their travel in the area. The Web site shows motorists live camera feeds and dynamic message sign messages, as well as traffic incidents and construction. Traffic tie-ups that are posted on this site will aid media in releasing traffic information to motorists to help them avoid major congestion.
Live traffic video is also available on CityView, the City’s government access channel. Tune in to cable channel 15.2 (those with a QAM-tuner-equipped TV) or channel 81 if citizens use a Mediacom converter box.
Drivers are urged to be alert and patient in stop-and-go traffic on streets and be extra careful in parking lots while looking for a parking space and backing out when leaving.
Other traffic tips include:
· Plan your shopping route to utilize less-congested roadways and help reduce the need to double back on the same roadway. Pre-select lanes of travel for turns to better access each business.
· Do not follow other motorists too closely.
· Be patient and courteous to other motorists.
· Consider walking, carpooling, or taking the bus.
· If traffic does back up, do not block intersections.
For more information, contact: Jason Haynes, City of Springfield, at 417-864-1167 or Brandon Campbell, MoDOT, at 417-829-8044.
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