TRAFFIC ALERT: New pattern for I-44 near Exit 6 beginning Thursday night

Construction is set to start on I-44 near the Main Street exit in Joplin.

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

When: Beginning week of October 7 for the duration of the project

What: Contractor crews will close I-44 on ramps at Route 43/86 (Exit 6) in preparation to 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:

• Beginning 7 p.m., Thursday, October 10, east- and westbound Route 43/86-to-I-44 on-ramps CLOSED
  • Ramps will remain closed for duration of the project
• Both I-44 off-ramps at Exit 6 remain OPEN
• Beginning 7 p.m., Wednesday, October 16, westbound 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
• Drivers are urged to pay attention to message boards, signs and other traffic control measures to safely travel through the work zone
• Work on westbound Route 43/86 bridge will be done mostly during nighttime hours, 7 p.m.-7 a.m.
• Drivers traveling on Route 43/86 under I-44 can expect lane closures and traffic delays when contractor crews are removing bridge deck/driving surface overhead
• Watch for equipment and crews entering and exiting 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.