Ignoring road barricades can lead to hazards, penalties

May 24—Closed roads can be an inconvenience to drivers, but the Missouri State Highway Patrol is warning that avoiding or moving barricades can result in consequences.

"You'll see these signs a lot of times put in place by the Missouri Department of Transportation," said Sgt. Shane Hux with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. "There is an issue with some drivers deciding to avoid them, and state law prohibits anyone from moving a traffic barrier that is there for an official reason."

State troopers have taken notice of motorists driving through and moving barricades without replacing them, and if you're caught doing this, it will come with a serious penalty.

"When people drive through there and do not put those barricades back up, it puts a lot of people at risk," Hux said. "If you get caught doing that, you will be summoned by a state trooper."

Penalties for not obeying barricades vary from state to state and by judge, but according to Missouri laws, driving through or around a work zone by any lane not clearly designated for the flow of traffic can result in a fine of as much as $3,500

Heavy rain throughout this month has flooded many low-water crossings across the city, and while a road may not look hazardous, officials warn that driving in a barricaded area can be deadly.

"Flooding can corrode underneath the roadway and you may not be able to see it unless you physically get out of your vehicle," Hux said. "Six inches of water can knock a person off their feet and even a large SUV off the road. MoDOT engineers are out there inspecting roadways as much as possible, but even when no one is around, you need to follow those detours to keep everyone in the vehicle safe."

If drivers notice a hazardous area that needs to be barricaded, they should immediately report it to law enforcement.

Jenna Wilson can be reached at jenna.wilson@newspressnow.com.