Major I-44 widening and interchange overhaul moving forward near Joplin
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While I-44 won't be seeing a speed limit upgrade, it will be getting some much needed upgrades over the coming years.
MoDOT plans to widen I-44 from four lanes to six between Main Street and Range Line Road in Joplin.
The $25.1 million project will add a third driving lane in each direction, with the additional lanes constructed in the interstate's existing median.
The project also includes replacing pavement and building new eastbound and westbound bridges over Silver Creek, just west of Range Line Road.
The bridge improvements will accommodate drainage upgrades and a shared-use trail under the interstate, allowing pedestrians and bicyclists to cross I-44 without encountering highway traffic.
Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027, with completion anticipated in winter 2028.
MoDOT expects to maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction during daytime construction. However, motorists should expect narrowed lanes, traffic shifts, occasional ramp closures and nighttime lane restrictions.
Major reconstruction planned at Fidelity
The nearby Fidelity interchange is part of a separate, much larger $471 million improvement project stretching across southwest Missouri.
The existing I-44/I-49 cloverleaf was designed for traffic conditions that have changed considerably over the decades.
Hassinger said the growing number of vehicles and commercial trucks has created challenges for drivers entering, exiting and moving between the two highways.
He believes the planned redesign will make a substantial difference.
"This new design interchange is going to really make some big improvements to how those interstates, how you go from one interstate to the other," Hassinger said.
The improvements are intended to modernize traffic movements and reduce conflicts between vehicles using the interchange.
Hassinger said MoDOT expects to hold a groundbreaking ceremony near Fidelity later this fall, marking the beginning of heavier construction closer to Joplin.
The broader $471 million project, awarded to the Capital-CMT Team, includes additional interchange reconstruction, pavement rehabilitation and highway widening between the Joplin area and Laclede County.
That work includes new six-lane sections of I-44 around Springfield, improvements to the Missouri Route 13 interchange and other highway upgrades extending east toward Conway.
The overall project is scheduled for completion by November 15, 2031.
MoDOT also plans to install high-friction pavement treatment on curves along I-44 east of Range Line Road in Joplin, intended to improve roadway traction.
The department has scheduled a public meeting about the Fidelity improvements for November 17, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., at Victory Christian Center, 13996 Burr Oak Road in Carthage.
Residents will have an opportunity to review project plans, ask questions and provide feedback.
