“Forward 44!” aims to widen, revitalize Interstate 44 in Joplin, Springfield
The Missouri Department of Transportation is moving forward with plans to improve I-44 across the state.
Last week, House Budget Chairman Cody Smith, of Carthage, revealed the House Budget substitutes for Fiscal Year 2025, introducing a comprehensive $49.9 billion plan.
The proposed plan includes a substantial $727.5 million allocation designated for groundbreaking efforts to expand Interstate 44.
This expansion project aims to widen the interstate to six lanes in critical areas like Springfield, Rolla, and Joplin, as well as establish new interchanges in Joplin at the junction of I-49 and I-44.
“The work that is being done in Missouri right now is really gaining notice all over the country,” Missouri Department of Transportation Director Patrick McKenna said in a press conference held at Contract Freighters, Inc.
“The historic investments in the past few years have come from public policy, recognizing the needs on the infrastructure that we’ve had for probably 30 years. … The investments being spurred by the leadership of the general assembly and leadership of Governor (Mike) Parson are truly historic. Our task as the Department of Transportation is to do the best job with those resources that we possibly can.”
Smith says this project will be funded in a similar way to the massive I-70 expansion that was approved last year.
“I think every legislator in [the capitol] will tell you, as they use I-44 to get to and from Jefferson City, that it is the busiest roadway in the state of Missouri,” said Smith. “Through Springfield specifically is very congested, and at times dangerous, to navigate through.
Joplin’s construction will span 6.7 miles from I-49 South to I-49 North/Mo Route 59. Springfield will have 13.2 miles of the interstate under construction from US Route 160 to Mo Route 125. Rolla’s revamping will take place late in the project and will see work over 17 miles from Mo Route T to Mo Route 68.
“Well, I think the opportunity is right for us to take some of the surplus revenue we have and invest them into I-44,” Missouri Representative Cody Smith said. “We essentially saw this same type of package with I-70 last year. We have a revenue surplus that would enable us to make a significant investment in I-44 this year.
“In addition to that, I think we are going to save money on the I-70 project in the long term. Through the way Mo-DOT is financing the debt portion of that package, I believe they will have savings that will be equal to or more than what we are spending on I-44 at this time, so it just made sense.”
In Joplin, the I-49/I-44 interchange reconstruction, which will be three phases, will include a bridge replacement and the addition of six total lanes, three lanes going each way to alleviate congestion, with other improvements in the area expected as well.
“I think every legislator in the room that uses I-44 to get to and from Jefferson City that it is the busiest roadway in the state of Missouri,” Smith said. “Through Springfield, specifically, it is very congested and, at times, seemingly dangerous to navigate through. That is a particular area of need. Obviously, the Joplin I-49/I-44 interchange is one of the busiest in the country, so it is well needed there.”
The project still has to go through the Missouri Senate before making its way to the Governor’s desk.
“There are some steps left in the process to get to the point where we know the appropriations are signed into law and be dispersed for these projects,” Smith said. “I feel confident that … it’s right in the wheelhouse of both the senate and the governor. I hope they will concur with the plan.”
Additionally, the proposal earmarks an extra $100 million to tackle the infrastructure requirements of rural and low-volume roads, addressing a longstanding concern within the state.