JEFFERSON CITY -- While there are some big projects in the works for MoDOT, there aren't as many as past years has seen.
That's all because funding has dropped considerably.
Missouri's construction program has dropped from an average of $1.2 billion in recent years to about $700 million.
"We're at the same funding levels that we've been since the mid 90's and things actually cost quite a bit more now then they did in the mid 90's,h MoDOT assistant district engineer Travis Koestner said. gWe actually only get about 65% of the work we got in the 90's currently today.h
Koestner said fuel is the main reason for the lack of funding.
70% of the money MoDOT uses for our highways comes from fuel tax.
But drivers aren't buying fuel as much or as often.
"Cars are getting better gas mileage, and actually, the federal fuel standards continue to rise, so we really don't see any increase in funding, actually, a decrease in funding due to the vehicles miles per gallon," Koestner said.
Right now, with their lack of funds, MoDOT will just be focusing on maintaining the system.
"You're going to see resurfacing jobs and rehab work on bridges, and maybe a few new bridges, but really, just trying to hold our own, just trying to maintain what we have," Koestner said.
However, there are a few bigger projects planned, projects that have been lined up for years.
One of which, is creating four lanes on Highway 50 from the 63 Junction to County Road 604 just west of Linn in Osage County.
Another is a new interchange at Highway 50 and Lafayette Street in Jefferson City.
As for the future of MoDOT, Koestner said it's up to the government to decide how how to fund it.
To see a list of all of the planned projects click here.
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