Motorists across southwest Missouri can learn more about a proposed $471 million package of Interstate 44 improvements during a public hearing in Springfield on Sept. 24 as the Missouri Department of Transportation moves ahead with its Forward 44 project.
The hearing will focus on planned upgrades in Newton, Jasper, Lawrence, Greene and Webster counties, according to a community announcement. The come-and-go event is scheduled from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Wilson Logistics Arena at the Empire Fair Grounds, 3001 N. Grant Ave., Springfield. No formal presentation is planned.
Attendees may arrive at any time during the hearing to review project displays, ask questions and submit comments. People who cannot attend in person may review project information
online and submit feedback through Oct. 8.
The project includes roadway, bridge and interchange improvements along I-44 between Joplin and the Springfield area, along with truck parking enhancements and pavement upgrades.
Public hearing details
The Sept. 24 hearing will allow residents, business owners and travelers to examine project plans and discuss them with MoDOT representatives.
Project exhibits and information will be available online at modot.org.
People without internet access can contact MoDOT's Southwest District Office to receive project information and provide comments. MoDOT said in the announcement that accommodation and translation services are available for the hearing by contacting Southwest District Communications at 417-895-7600 by Sept. 18.
A second public hearing is planned from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Nov. 17 at Victory Christian Center, 13996 Burr Oak Road, Carthage. Additional information about that event will be released closer to the meeting date, according to the announcement.
Improvements planned along I-44
The proposal includes:
- High Friction Surface Treatment on I-44 curves east of Range Line Road in Joplin;
- Interchange improvements at the I-49 north interchange in Fidelity;
- Pavement improvements on I-44 east of Sarcoxie in Lawrence County;
- Addition of a westbound third lane from Missouri Route 266, also known as Chestnut Expressway, in Springfield to Route B in Webster County;
- Addition of an eastbound third lane from Chestnut Expressway to mile marker 91.2;
- Existing pavement improvements from Chestnut Expressway to Route B;
- Widening and rehabilitation of I-44 bridges over the BNSF railroad;
- Replacement of the Route EE, or Division Street, bridge over I-44 in Springfield;
- Geometric improvements and bridge replacement at Missouri Route 744, or Kearney Street, in Springfield;
- Interchange improvements at U.S. Route 160, Missouri Route 13, Grant Avenue and U.S. Route 65 in Springfield;
- Relocation and expansion of the eastbound truck parking lot east of Strafford;
- Realignment of the eastbound curve from mile marker 92.2 to mile marker 93.4;
- Pavement improvements and interchange ramp extensions from Route B through Conway in Webster and Laclede counties.
Timeline and funding
Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2026 and continue through November 2031.
According to the announcement, the project carries an estimated cost of $471 million. Funding includes $328 million in general revenue approved by the Missouri General Assembly and the governor.
More information is available by calling MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visiting modot.org.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Southwest Missouri drivers can review major I-44 plans at hearing
