Forward 44: Joplin Improvements

Districts Impacted

Southwest

Counties Impacted

Newton

Route Impacted

Work Type

Highway Widening

Planning Phase

Project Milestones

Complete

Public Meeting

Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Joplin Public Library, 1901 E 20th St, Joplin

This is a come-and-go style meeting with no formal presentation. If you cannot attend, please review the project information and complete the comment form below by April 9.

Construction

Spring 2027

Construction Completion

Winter 2028

Project Information

Replace pavement and widen I-44 to 6 lanes between Missouri Route 43 (Main Street) and Loop 49 (Range Line Road)
Additional lanes will be installed in the median
The City of Joplin will install a new culvert under I-44 at Silver Creek
Estimated Total Cost of MoDOT portion of project: $25.1 million

Traffic Impacts

Narrowed lanes, traffic shifts on I-44
I-44 will maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction, except for short-duration closures during nighttime hours
I-44 ramp closures
During higher traffic volume, drivers can expect delays

NEWS RELEASES

TRAFFIC ALERT: New Schedule for Work at Intersection of Route 97 & Route 60 Beginning Week of July 6

06/23/2026

Where: U.S. Route 60 between Barry County Farm Road 1020 and Barry County Farm Road 1040 north of Monett Regional Airport

When: Monday, July 6 through Friday, July 31

What: Contractor crews widening the south side of Route 60 for future traffic shift...
Watch for Lane Closures, Delays During Guardrail Work on Route 60 in Barry & Newton Counties

06/23/2026

Barry & Newton Counties – Drivers should prepare for lane closures and occasional traffic delays on U.S. Route 60 between the Missouri/Oklahoma state line and Missouri Route 37 (Central Avenue) in Monett while a contractor installs guardrail in...
Westbound Interstate 44 to Remain CLOSED at Exit 11 for Extended Period

06/16/2026

JASPER COUNTY - Due to an incident on the Oklahoma Turnpike, westbound Interstate 44 is CLOSED at mile marker 11 near the Missouri-Oklahoma state line for an extended and unknown duration. The Missouri Department of Transportation recommends all...
TRAFFIC ALERT: Off Ramp CLOSED on NB I-49 at Route FF (Exit 39A) in Joplin June 15 & 16

06/08/2026
Where: Northbound I-49-to-Jasper County Route FF (Exit 39A) off ramp in Joplin

When: 8 p.m.-5 a.m., Monday & Tuesday, June 15 & 16

What: Contractor crews inspecting truss signs

Traffic Impacts:
- Northbound I-49-to-Jasper County Route FF (32nd Street)...
TRAFFIC ALERT: Expect Lane Reductions, Delays on WB I-44 at Exit 1 in Joplin June 15 & 16

06/08/2026
Where: Westbound I-44 at U.S. Route 166 (Exit 1) off ramp in Joplin

When: 8 p.m.-5 a.m., Monday & Tuesday, June 15 & 16

What: Contractor crews inspecting truss signs

Traffic Impacts:
- Expect periodic lane reductions and possible traffic delays
- Watch...

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Project Files

Frequently Asked Questions:

Will I-44 be closed?

I-44 will have nighttime lane closings at times, but will have two lanes of I-44 traffic in both directions open during daytime hours.

Why are sound walls not being built?

A noise study is done whenever MoDOT adds through lanes, a new road or changes the alignment of a roadway. We can only build walls in those locations where all criteria are met. Additional information on the noise policy can be found here.

What type of pedestrian improvements will be constructed with this project?

The City of Joplin is constructing a new underpass to allow pedestrians and bicyclists to cross under I-44 at Silver Creek. The new underpass will be built concurrently with the I-44 widening project. Please contact the City of Joplin for additional information on the shared-use path.

Is MODOT purchasing property from landowners?

No right-of-way is anticipated currently.

How can I learn more about the I-44 Design-Build Project?

Information about the upcoming I-44 Design-Build Project can be found at the following link: Forward 44: Southwest I-44 Improvements Project | Missouri Department of Transportation

The last day to leave comments on this project is April 9.

Project Contacts

Beth Schaller

Area Engineer

Southwest District

Forward 44: Southwest I-44 Improvements Deputy Project Director,
Ozarks Transportation Organization: Greene & Christian Counties
Southwest Missouri Council of Governments: Barry, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Greene, Lawrence, Polk, Stone, Taney, & Webster Counties
Email: Beth.Schaller@modot.mo.gov
Phone: (417) 529-4120

Kristi Bachman

Forward 44 Southwest Project Director