TRAFFIC ALERT: I-44 Traffic Shifted to Eastbound Lanes Near Exit 6 Beginning Week of Sept. 23

Where: Westbound I-44 at Exit 6 (Missouri Route 43/86) in Joplin

When: Beginning Monday, September 23 for the duration of the project

What: Contractor crews will shift traffic head-to-head in the eastbound lanes of I-44 as part of a project to rehabilitate the westbound I-44/Missouri Route 43/86 (Hearnes Boulevard/Main Street) bridge

Traffic impacts:

• I-44 traffic shifted head-to-head in the eastbound lanes east of Exit 6
  • I-44 traffic returns to normal configuration west of Exit 6
• Route 43/86-to-eastbound I-44 on ramp CLOSED
• Route 43/86-to-westbound I-44 on ramp CLOSED
• Both I-44 off ramps at Exit 6 remain OPEN
• Work on westbound Route 43/86 bridge will be done mostly 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 scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.

This work was originally scheduled to begin in late August, but construction issues delayed the start of the project. 

For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest