A new study indicates that Missouri's Interstate 70, running from Kansas City to St. Louis, has more truck crashes than any other highway in the Show-Me State. Growing truck traffic and increased speed limits are blamed for the high number of accidents.

A draft environmental impact statement for the proposed $2.7 billion widening of I-70 found that trucks were involved in more crashes along the roadway from 1994 to 1998 than on other selected interstates in the state, even when pro-rated for mileage.

There were 1,482 accidents involving trucks in 1998, including 19 that resulted in fatalities. The study found that the number of accidents involving all types of vehicles on Missouri interstates increased during that period, as well. The study also found that traffic near Kansas City and St. Louis is already at or nearing unacceptable levels.

MoDOT wants to rebuild the 199-mile stretch of I-70 between Kansas City and St. Louis and widen it to six lanes. However, there is no funding for the design or construction of the intestate at this time.

The study also found the overall number of accidents on all Missouri highways increased from 1994 to 1998. A round of public comment is scheduled to begin later this month. For additional information visit www.i70study.org.