Westbound I-44/Route 86/Main Street Bridge CLOSED for Rehab Project Beginning Week of Aug. 26

Joplin – Drivers should expect lane shifts and traffic delays when a project to rehabilitate the westbound I-44/Missouri Route 86/Main Street bridge (Exit 6) in Joplin begins the week of August 26, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

Contractor crews will remove the bridge deck/driving surface of the westbound bridge and replace it with a new driving surface. This bridge was built in 1956 with approximately 44,425 vehicles per day traveling over the bridge.

Traffic impacts:

Beginning the week of week of August 26, contractor crews will begin work building the crossover lanes in the median.

• Once crossover lanes completed, contractor will CLOSE the westbound bridge and shift traffic head-to-head on the eastbound lanes for up to 180 days
• Drivers should expect traffic delays
• Work will be done during nighttime hours, 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
• Drivers on Missouri Route 43/86 can expect lane closures and traffic delays while contractor crews are removing bridge deck/driving surface overhead
• Watch for equipment and crews entering and exiting the work zone
• Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone
• Drivers should consider alternate routes during the project
• Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or construction delays could alter the work schedule.

Project information:

• Prime contractor – Hartman & Co. Inc., Springfield
• Total project cost: $3.1 million
• Contract completion date: November 22, 2024