Districts Impacted
MoDOT is planning potential long-term improvements at the I-44/U.S. 50 interchange and U.S. 50/Route AT intersection. This project aims to increase safety and reliability while improving roadway conditions.
I-44 is a key connection that’s vital for Missouri’s traveling public. It is also a crucial route for freight transportation across the country.
Many portions of I-44, including the U.S. 50 interchange, have outdated design standards based on its construction more than 50 years ago. Survey responses from MoDOT’s outreach in June 2025 highlighted the need to enhance safety and reliability, with a focus on improving pavement conditions, redesigning the interchange, and increasing roadway capacity at this interchange.
This project is in conjunction with U.S. Route 50/AT Intersection Improvements: U.S. Route 50 and Route AT Intersection Safety and Operational Improvements in Franklin | Missouri Department of Transportation
Project Progress
MoDOT conducted stakeholder meetings and a public survey to confirm existing needs and identify additional concerns and priorities for the I-44/U.S. 50 interchange.
The project vision and goals for potential improvements were drafted based on stakeholder and public input to help in future considerations.
MoDOT will hold a public meeting to present project goals, information about the project delivery method as well as next steps for implementing potential interchange improvements and gather feedback.
What are the I-44/U.S. 50 Interchange Needs?
Safety
Between 2019 and 2023, 149 crashes occurred, resulting in 8 serious injuries and 1 fatality.
Pavement Conditions
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Heavy traffic causes potholes and debris, making the road uneven for drivers and requiring frequent repairs.
Capacity and Reliability
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With only two lanes each way on I-44, crashes often cause long delays that average 3.5 hours each time.
Congestion
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Freight trucks make up 30% of vehicles, adding to congestion due to their size and changing speeds.
Roadway Design
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I-44 has curved roads, hills and closely spaced ramps at the U.S. 50 interchange.
Resiliency
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Occasional flooding near the interchange disrupts connectivity from eastbound I-44 to U.S 50.
Capacity and Reliability: I-44 at the U.S. 50 interchange has only two lanes in each direction, with expected demand likely to exceed the current roadway capacity.
Safety: Safety is a fundamental goal of all transportation projects in Missouri.
Pavement Conditions: There is a need to maintain and preserve the I-44 facility to accommodate both existing and future traffic.
There is a need to preserve the I-44 facility to accommodate existing and future traffic.
Resiliency: During periods of heavy rainfall or flooding, eastbound I-44 can lose direct connectivity to westbound U.S. 50, disrupting normal traffic.
Infrastructure Resiliency: During periods of heavy rainfall or flooding, eastbound I-44 may lose direct connectivity to westbound U.S. 50, disrupting normal traffic flow.
Roadway Design: The I-44/U.S. 50 interchange was designed and built long before current design standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is MoDOT planning improvements to the I-44/U.S. 50 interchange?
I-44 is a key connection that’s vital for Missouri’s traveling public. It is also a crucial route for freight transportation across the country. Many portions of I-44, especially at the U.S. 50 interchange, have outdated design standards based on its construction more than 50 years ago.
Who will benefit from this project?
This project aims to enhance safety and reliability while improving roadway conditions for all system users, including the traveling public, freight carriers, MoDOT maintenance crews, emergency responders, and roadside assistance vehicles.
How will MoDOT build this project?
Improvements to the I-44/U.S. 50 interchange and the U.S. 50/Route AT intersection will be combined into one single design-build project.
What is design-build construction?
MoDOT's contractor will perform both design and construction. On this type of project, designs are completed in phases. This allows the contractor to start building parts of the project early while finishing the design for later phases at the same time.
What are the benefits of design-build construction?
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MoDOT defines the project goals, budget, schedule and other performance measures.
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Contractors focus on providing the best value and most scope for a fixed price.
- Overlapping design and construction phases shorten project timelines.
How will my input help shape the project?
Your feedback on the project goals will help MoDOT understand community priorities. All future decisions made during this design-build project will be based on the final goals you help shape.
What is the timeline for this project?
After the public meeting to gather feedback on the project goals, MoDOT plans to start design-build procurement and proposal development in 2026. Once awarded, a public meeting will be held in 2026/2027 to share the design and construction schedule.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS. JOIN OUR PUBLIC MEETING ON THE I-44/U.S. 50 INTERCHANGE AND U.S. 50/ROUTE AT INTERSECTION
MoDOT invites you to share your thoughts on the project’s goals, which have been shaped by engineering data as well as input from this community. Your feedback helps MoDOT understand what matters most to the community.
Join us at an in-person public meeting and help guide the future of this important interchange.
Thursday, November 6, 2025
4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Union Community Center
1329 Union Avenue, Union, MO 63084
Accessible facilities are available for people with disabilities. Those who require special services at the public meeting should notify Senior Communications Specialist Rachel V. Sudduth by Thursday, October 30, at 314-343-7731 so arrangements can be made.
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MoDOT to host public meeting on Forward 44: Interstate 44/U.S. Route 50 Interchange Project on Nov. 6
FRANKLIN COUNTY – The Missouri Department of Transportation will host an open house-style public meeting on Interstate 44/Route 50 Interchange Improvements Project from 4-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, at the Union Community Center.
The center is...
Project Contacts
Stacey Smith, P.E.
Title
Project Director for Procurement and Design
Department
St. Louis District
Contact Info
314-453-5084
Anastasia.Smith@modot.mo.gov
314-453-5084
Anastasia.Smith@modot.mo.gov
Jordan Dalaviras
Title
Area Liaison -- Franklin and Jefferson Counties
Department
St. Louis District
Contact Info
Phone: 314-453-5021
Email: jordan.dalaviras@modot.mo.gov
Phone: 314-453-5021
Email: jordan.dalaviras@modot.mo.gov