Forward 44 Public Meeting: Construction of I-44 Widening Project in Springfield

This meeting will inform the public of upcoming traffic impacts during construction, the contractor’s schedule and provide an overview of the project when completed. The come-and-go style meeting will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, at Crossway Baptist Church, 2900 N Barnes Ave, Springfield, at the east entrance. No formal presentation is planned. Those who attend may come anytime between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to learn about the project and ask questions.

Those unable to attend the in-person meeting can view exhibits and get project information by visiting www.modot.org/southwest.

For those unable to access the online meeting, contact MoDOT’s Southwest District Office at 417.895.7600 and accommodations will be made to share the information and gather feedback.

The project will widen I-44 by adding a lane in each direction in the median between Missouri Route 13 (Kansas Expressway) and U.S. Route 65.

Project Summary:

• Widening I-44 to 6 lanes between Missouri Route 13 (Kansas Expressway) and U.S. Route 65
• Replace the following bridges carrying I-44 over city streets:
  • Broadway Avenue Bridge
  • Grant Avenue Bridge
  • National Avenue Bridge
• Build pedestrian underpass and trail improvements east of Grant Avenue
• Resurface I-44 between west of Missouri Route 266 (Chestnut Expressway) and U.S. Route 160 (West Bypass)
• Build a sound wall south of I-44 from the National Avenue bridge west, approximately 2,550 feet

Traffic impacts on I-44:

• Narrowed lanes and traffic shifts on I-44
• I-44 will maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction, except for short duration closures during night time hours
• I-44 ramp closures
• Broadway Avenue closed up to 140 days
• Grant Avenue closed up to 140 days
• National Avenue closed up to 140 days
• During higher traffic volume, drivers can expect delays

Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction LLC, Jefferson City

The awarded construction cost is $70.7 million. $13.4 million in General Revenue funds provided by the General Assembly and the Governor’s Office.

The project is scheduled for completion in May 2027.