MODOT to Take Action on “White Lives Matter” Vandalism

Initially considered to be an isolated incident of vandalism, MODOT had no plans to address the three-foot-tall letters spelling out the message “White Lives Matter” which was painted on the westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 60 between Mountain View and Willow Springs in early July. Now, the same message has appeared in the same style on the other side of the highway, and MODOT will be painting over it all. 

According to Chris Rutledge, Assistant District Engineer for MODOT, the approach the agency takes with vandalism is based on the safety of the traveling public and maintaining the safety and integrity of the roadways. Since the first message is only painted letters on the asphalt, it represents no danger to the public, and it does not damage the road. Rutledge said the danger was too great for the workers who would have to stand in the roadway to cover the message, and repaving with asphalt for graffiti would be “financially irresponsible”. 

To deal with vandalism that does not pose a threat, MODOT usually defers to law enforcement and usually waits for the graffiti to fade on its own.  As of an interview on August 6, MODOT had received reports of the vandalism, but no public complaints. Their plan was to let the paint fade. 

However, Rutledge contacted Howell County News this week to report that circumstances have changed. With the addition of mirroring graffiti on the eastbound lanes of the highway, and touch up paint to the original message, MODOT will be taking action. 

Rutledge said the additions to the graffitti are “dangerous and illegal.”

“It’s not going to look pretty. We’re going to splash paint over that stuff,” he continued. 

A MODOT crew will have responded and covered the vandalism by press time. MODOT is coordinating with Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop G to keep an eye out for anyone who may be “trying to express their personal convictions,” as Rutledge put it.