ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – As Missourians are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving and holiday shopping on Black Friday, MoDOT is taking steps to help keep traffic moving.

The majority of construction work zones will not be in place from noon Wednesday, November 26 until mid-morning Monday, December 1. However, some work zones have lanes closed all the time that are unable to be reopened for the holiday weekend.

This week and throughout the holiday season, MoDOT staff will be monitoring signal timing at intersections on state roads adjacent to major shopping centers. Also, if you’re planning to travel to the University of Missouri-Columbia for their home football game on Friday, Nov. 28, heavy traffic is expected in the morning along Interstate 70 and especially in the immediate Columbia vicinity.  Motorists attending the game should plan extra travel time to make it to the game in time for the early afternoon kickoff.

Before you head out this holiday weekend, visit MoDOT’s traveler information map at http://www.modot.org/ to get the latest information on traffic congestion and road conditions that may affect your travel plans. The map provides real-time information regarding incidents on major roads that include lane closures. The MoDOT traveler information map can also be downloaded as an app to your phone.  MoDOT’s 24/7 customer service is also available to provide information on road conditions at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).