Districts Impacted
Project Summary
The Missouri Route 7 bridge over Interstate 44 was built in 1977. While the supporting structures are in good condition, the driving surface has deteriorated, is in poor condition, and needs replaced. The new bridge deck will have new drains, bridge approaches upgraded, and new, updated guardrail installed.
Project Progress
The Missouri Department of Transportation and its consultant have designed a new deck to extend the functional life of the bridge.
The estimated cost for these improvements, including engineering and construction, is $2.7 million. This cost may change.
A public meeting will be held at Richland City Hall on June 24, 2025, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. There will be no formal presentation, and participants may come and go to submit comments at any time during the meeting. The project team will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the project.
Additionally, there are three other ways to submit your input on the project:
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Online - The meeting exhibits will also be made available online at the project webpage https://www.modot.org/projects/missouri-route-7-bridge-rehabilitation-over-interstate-44-pulaski-county. While there, comments may be submitted via an online form.
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By email – Send your comments to CDCR@modot.mo.gov with the subject line: Pulaski County Route 7 Bridge.
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By mail – Comments may be mailed, postmarked by July 8 to Pulaski County Route 7 Bridge, c/o MoDOT, 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO, 65102.
The project was part of MoDOT’s January 2026 letting when contractors were able to submit competitive bids. During its Feb. 4, 2026, meeting, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded a $1,911,000 contract to West Plains Bridge & Grading, LLC to complete the bridge replacement project. At that time, the contractor was given a notice to proceed date of March 6, 2026. This is the earliest date the contractor may begin work.
Route 7 over I-44 closed the morning of July 13 and will remain closed through early December for crews to replace the bridge deck. There is no access across I-44, and motorists must use an alternate route. Those traveling southbound Route 7 or to eastbound I-44 will be directed to use westbound I-44 to Missouri Route 133 (Exit 145) to eastbound 1-44. Those traveling north to Route 7 or to westbound I-44 will be directed to use eastbound I-44 to Missouri Route 17 (Exit 153) to westbound I-44.
Removal of the existing bridge deck will require I-44 to narrow and the ramps to close – two nights each direction – overnight July 15 - 18 as follows:
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July 15 & 16, 7 p.m. – 6 a.m., nightly:
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Eastbound I-44 ramps to and from Route 7 will be closed.
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Eastbound I-44 reduced to one lane and directed up and over the ramps at Exit 150.
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July 17 & 18, 7 p.m. – 6 a.m., nightly:
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Westbound I-44 ramps to and from Route 7 will be closed.
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Westbound I-44 reduced to one lane and directed up and over the ramps at Exit 150.
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For the remainder of construction, the on- and off-ramps at Exit 150 will remain open.
Current Bridge Condition
Project Location
Project Documents
Signed Detour
Project News
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SCHEDULE UPDATE: I-44 to be narrowed, rerouted overnight July 20
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The narrowing of Interstate 44 in Pulaski County, west of Waynesville, has been rescheduled. Instead of narrowing to one lane overnight July 17 and 18, the contractor now plans to remove the bridge deck (driving surface) of the...
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UPDATE: I-44 to be narrowed, rerouted overnight July 15 - 18
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Interstate 44 west of Waynesville in Pulaski County is set to narrow to one lane overnight this week as the deck (driving surface) of the Missouri Route 7 overpass is removed.
Monday morning, July 13, construction crews working...
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RESCHEDULED: Route 7 over I-44 to close for bridge project in mid-July
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The planned closure of Missouri Route 7 over Interstate 44, west of Waynesville, has been rescheduled for mid-July.
The morning of July 13, 2026, construction crews working with the Missouri Department of Transportation plan to...
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Route 7 over I-44 to close for bridge project in early July
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri Route 7 over Interstate 44, west of Waynesville, is set to close in early July for five months as the bridge’s driving surface is rebuilt. The first step will be removing the existing deck, which will require narrowing...
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MoDOT seeking public input on Missouri Route 7 bridge project
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – The Missouri Route 7 bridge over Interstate 44 in Pulaski County, west of Waynesville, needs rehabilitation. Built in 1977, the supporting structures are in good condition, but the bridge’s deck – or driving surface – has...
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is MoDOT replacing the bridge deck?
The Pulaski County Route 7 bridge over Interstate 44 was built in 1977. While the supporting structures are in good condition, the driving surface has deteriorated, is in poor condition, and needs replacement.
How will the construction affect traffic?
For the safety of our construction crews and motorists, the bridge will be closed during construction for up to 145 days, beginning July 6, 2026, and completed by Dec. 1, 2026. Detours will be signed using I-44 Exit 153 and Exit 145. Some nighttime single lane closures will likely be necessary on I-44.
Why is MoDOT closing the bridge?
Closing the bridge gives construction crews space to work, provides added safety for them and the traveling public, and shortens the construction timeframe, reducing the amount of time traffic is impacted.
Who can I contact with further questions?
You may email cdcr@modot.mo.gov or call us at 888 ASK MODOT (1-888-275-6636). Please reference Pulaski County Route 7 over I-44 Project on your inquiries.
How can I stay updated on the project’s progress?
Sign up for project-specific updates using the form below.