Massive Semi Loads Keep Tipping Over On Hwy 7, So MoDot Changed The Rules

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — After two incidents involving oversized loads on Highway 7, MoDOT is changing how some of the largest vehicles are routed through the area.

Last month, two oversized loads tipped over and temporarily shut down portions of Highway 7. The first occurred May 19 when a semi had difficulty navigating a curve. The second happened May 27 when a load came off its trailer.

Both incidents closed the highway for hours and caused significant traffic delays for motorists.

According to information shared with Camden County Commissioner Ike Skelton, the Missouri Department of Transportation has received complaints from constituents about the recurring disruptions. In response, MoDOT has restricted all superloads — defined as loads measuring 16 feet tall, 16 feet wide, 150 feet long, and/or weighing more than 160,000 pounds — from traveling the Highway 5 and 7 split to Highway 65.

“You will likely still observe some oversized loads (what we consider routine trips) traversing this segment of highway, but they are much smaller in comparison and generally travel at or near posted roadway speeds,” said Aaron Hubbard, MoDOT's director of motor carrier services. “We are optimistic that this restriction will restore the flow of traffic and mitigate the adverse travel conditions [Camden County has] been experiencing.”