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The Missouri Department of Transportation has updated the signage on U.S. 63 at First Street in Houston.
Drivers are now asked to “merge right” in this location, while signage formerly indicated drivers should “merge left.”
“This update should help provide more separation for school and downtown traffic versus through traffic,” said Senior Traffic Studies Specialist Michael Wake. “Currently, both merge into the left lane. Local traffic tends to slow down to turn onto a city street, while through traffic is attempting to speed up.”
Wake said the change should help keep local traffic in the left lane while keeping the right lane open for through traffic traveling out of town.
“Overall, the goal is to minimize conflicts and improve traffic flow in this location,” he said.
The new sign features flags to help alert drivers to the change.
For more information, contact Wake at 417-469-6265, District Traffic Engineer Craig Compas at 573-472-5310 or MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).
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