Districts Impacted
PROJECT TIMELINE
Monday, July 14, 2025
4:30-6 p.m.
Joplin Public Library
1901 E 20th Street, Joplin, MO 64804
Springfield Open House
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
4:30-6 p.m.
Crossway Baptist Church
2900 N Barnes Ave, Springfield, MO 65803
Project Information
Project Goals
- Deliver the project within the budget of $472 million
- Maximize safety and mobility with innovative improvements that reduce crashes, promote economic development, and growth
- Construct a durable transportation facility that is compatible with freight movement and future expansion
- Minimize and mitigate delays to the traveling public while ensuring the highest level of safety for both workers and the public
- Deliver the project by the end of 2031
NEWS RELEASES
Project Files
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the project timeline?
The project is scheduled to be awarded in the Summer of 2026. Construction could begin as early as Fall 2026. Completion is anticipated by the end of 2031.
What improvements does this project include?
Southwest Forward 44: Add a third lane to I-44 in both directions from Route 43 (Main Street) to Loop 49 (Range Line Road) in Joplin. Pavement rehabilitation from 3 miles east of Sarcoxie to 1 mile west of Route 97. Bridge rehabilitation at Route EE (Division Street) in Springfield. Capacity improvements from Route 160 (Kansas Expressway) in Springfield to Route 125 in Strafford. Pavement improvements from Strafford to east of Conway. Interchange improvements at I-49 (Fidelity Interchange) and Route 13 (Kansas Expressway Interchange).
Will there be any noise walls?
MoDOT has a formal noise wall policy that it uses for every project that meets federal guidelines. Each location that meets federal guidelines will be evaluated for noise walls. We expect to have a noise wall study for this project after the design is finalized in Spring 2027. More information about this topic will be communicated to the public at that time.
What is Design-Build?
Design-build is a delivery method that includes hiring one contracting team to complete the design work and build the highway improvement under one contract. MoDOT provides the project goals, budget, and schedule, and the contractor team completes the work. This technique has been known to significantly save time and provide cost savings.
Project Contacts
Beth Schaller
Title
Area Engineer
Department
Southwest District
Contact Info
Ozarks Transportation Organization &
Southwest Missouri Council of Governments Areas:
Dallas, Polk, Webster, Greene, Dade, Lawrence,
Christian, Barry, Stone and Taney Counties
Email: Beth.Schaller@modot.mo.gov
Phone: (417) 529-4120
Southwest Missouri Council of Governments Areas:
Dallas, Polk, Webster, Greene, Dade, Lawrence,
Christian, Barry, Stone and Taney Counties
Email: Beth.Schaller@modot.mo.gov
Phone: (417) 529-4120
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
Email: Kristi.Bachman@modot.mo.gov
Phone: (417) 834-7171
Fax: (417) 895-7664