Districts Impacted

Southwest
Counties Impacted
Newton
Route Impacted
44
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.

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Construction
Spring 2027
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Construction Completion
Winter 2028
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crane 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 NEWS RELEASES

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clipboard 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.

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worker Project Contacts

Contact Photo
Beth Schaller Portrait
Beth Schaller
Title
Area Engineer
Department
Southwest District
Contact Info

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

 

Contact Photo
Kristi Bachman
Kristi Bachman
Title
Forward 44 Southwest Project Director
Department
Southwest District
Contact Info

Email: Kristi.Bachman@modot.mo.gov
Phone: (417) 834-7171
Fax: (417) 895-7664