Department of Public Safety News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 01, 2011

Shelters established for motorists affected by closure of Interstates 70 and 44

Missourians urged not to drive in conditions that remain dangerous
The Department of Public Safety and the State Emergency Management Agency announces that due to the closure of Interstate 70 between I-470 (Mile Marker 15) in Independence and Route A in Wentzville (Mile Marker 212), emergency shelters have been established to assist motorists in need of assistance. The following Red Cross shelters have been established:
St. Peters – Exit 219 Ft. Zumwalt South High School 8050 Mexico Road St. Peters
Warrenton – Exit 193 Knights of Columbus Hall  700 S. South Street Warrenton
Wright City – Exit 199 Emmanuel United Church of Christ 141 N. Service Road West Wright City
Oak Grove – Exit 28 Oak Grove Civic Center 2100 South Broadway Oak Grove
Lee's Summit – Exit 15 Woods Chapel United Methodist Church 4725 NE Lake Wood Way Lee's Summit
All of Interstate 70 is closed between Independence and Wentzville. Motorists traveling the interstate should exit at the first highway and seek shelter.
Due to the closure of Interstate 44 from Routes O and H (Mile Marker 59) at the Greene County-Lawrence County line to the Oklahoma state line, a shelter has also been established at:

Springfield – Exit 75 Greater Ozarks Red Cross Chapter 1545 N. West Bypass Springfield   All of Interstate 44 is closed between Exit 80 and the Oklahoma state line. Motorists traveling the interstate should exit at the first highway and seek shelter.
The Missouri Department of Transportation is working to clear all of Interstate 70 and Interstate 44. The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri National Guard are patrolling both interstates and will provide assistance to any stranded motorists.
"These interstates are closed due to a tremendous amount of snow that has made them impassible, and conditions are still treacherous on other roads across Missouri," said Col. Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. "I continue to strongly urge Missourians not to travel during these dangerous conditions."
The State Emergency Management Agency is working with local jurisdictions, the Red Cross and other partner organizations to establish additional shelters. Information about these and other shelters that may be established is available from 211 Missouri, which can be reached by dialing 211, or (800) 427-4626. The information is also available at www.211missouri.org. Shelter information is also available at www.mo.gov and www.sema.dps.mo.gov.

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For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov