MoDOT will continue further in-depth study of the segments for detailed design and construction as funding is available. MoDOT and its consultants will continue to move forward with I-44 projects outlined in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. The public can stay up to date on the latest work happening along the corridor by visiting the Forward 44 website: modot.org/forward44.

MoDOT: Forward 44: Construction of I-44 Widening Project in Springfield Focus of Public Meeting | Missouri Department of Transportation

Tuesday, February 25

Project

Interstate 44 Corridor Upgrades in Greene County

Springfield – Those interested in a project to widen I-44 to six lanes, three lanes in each direction, in Springfield are invited to a public meeting to learn of upcoming traffic impacts due to construction and project information on Tuesday, February 25, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

This meeting will inform the public of upcoming traffic impacts during construction, the contractor’s schedule and provide an overview of the project when completed. The come-and-go style meeting will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, at Crossway Baptist Church, 2900 N Barnes Ave, Springfield, at the east entrance. No formal presentation is planned. Those who attend may come anytime between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to learn about the project and ask questions.

Those unable to attend the in-person meeting can view exhibits and get project information by visiting www.modot.org/southwest.

For those unable to access the online meeting, contact MoDOT’s Southwest District Office at 417.895.7600 and accommodations will be made to share the information and gather feedback.

The project will widen I-44 by adding a lane in each direction in the median between Missouri Route 13 (Kansas Expressway) and U.S. Route 65.

Project Summary:

• Widening I-44 to 6 lanes between Missouri Route 13 (Kansas Expressway) and U.S. Route 65
• Replace the following bridges carrying I-44 over city streets:
  • Broadway Avenue Bridge
  • Grant Avenue Bridge
  • National Avenue Bridge
• Build pedestrian underpass and trail improvements east of Grant Avenue
• Resurface I-44 between west of Missouri Route 266 (Chestnut Expressway) and U.S. Route 160 (West Bypass)
• Build a sound wall south of I-44 from the National Avenue bridge west, approximately 2,550 feet

Traffic impacts on I-44:

• Narrowed lanes and traffic shifts on I-44
• I-44 will maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction, except for short duration closures during night time hours
• I-44 ramp closures
• Broadway Avenue closed up to 140 days
• Grant Avenue closed up to 140 days
• National Avenue closed up to 140 days
• During higher traffic volume, drivers can expect delays

Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction LLC, Jefferson City

The awarded construction cost is $70.7 million. $13.4 million in General Revenue funds provided by the General Assembly and the Governor’s Office.

The project is scheduled for completion in May 2027.

During summer 2024, the Missouri Department of Transportation and its consultants (Hg Consult - West Consultant Study Team, and Garver - East Consultant Study Team) hosted stakeholder meetings along the I-44 corridor. The purpose was to provide the public the opportunity to provide comment and learn about the environmental study of more than 250 miles of the I-44 corridor from the Oklahoma state line to the Franklin County/St. Louis County line. This study is a critical step to preparing for future projects on I-44, and gathering input will ensure the Purpose & Need reflects the identified needs of users.

Below are the meeting times, dates and locations for the Forward 44 public meetings that took place.