Newton, Jasper, Lawrence, Greene, and Webster Counties — Those interested in learning an overview of the Forward 44: Southwest I-44 Improvements Project in Newton, Jasper, Lawrence, Greene, and Webster Counties are invited to a public meeting on Monday, July 14, in Joplin or Tuesday, July 15, in Springfield, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.
These two identical meetings will inform the public of the project's overview. 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. The come-and-go style meetings will be held:
- Joplin: Monday, July 14, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., at the Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th Street, Joplin
- Springfield: Tuesday, July 15, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., at Crossway Baptist Church, 2900 N Barnes Ave, Springfield
The project, known as the Forward 44: Southwest I-44 Improvements project, is a $472 million design-build project that includes enhancements at multiple locations along I-44 spanning from Newton County to Laclede County. A design-build project encourages innovative highway improvements in the most cost-effective way through a competitive process. The project has not yet been awarded to a design-build contractor, so no final designs or plans are available or will be shown at this time. Future meetings will be scheduled to share design details and project plans once they become available.
Once the contract has been awarded in the spring/summer of 2026, the Forward 44: Southwest I-44 Improvements project is anticipated to begin in the Fall of 2026 with completion in late 2031.
Those unable to attend the in-person meeting can view exhibits and get project information by visiting www.modot.org/southwest.
MoDOT is committed to providing access to this event for all participants. If you need a reasonable accommodation or translation services, please contact Southwest District Communications at 417.895.7600 by July 9. For those unable to access the online meeting, contact MoDOT’s Southwest District Office, and accommodations will be made to share the information and gather feedback.
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For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest
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