Public meeting to discuss I-44 improvements in Jasper, Newton, Lawrence counties scheduled in Fidelity

(From MoDOT)

Forward 44: SW I-44 Improvements Project In Newton, Jasper, Lawrence, Greene, Webster & Laclede Co. Focus of a Public Meeting on November 17 in Fidelity

Those interested in the Forward 44: Southwest I-44 Improvements Project in Newton, Jasper, Lawrence, Greene, Webster and Laclede Counties are invited to a public meeting to discuss proposed improvements and project information on Tuesday, November 17, in Fidelity, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

The come-and-go style meeting will be held from 4:30 – 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, at the Victory Christian Center, 13996 Burr Oak Rd, Carthage. 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, ask questions, and leave comments.

Those unable to attend the in-person meeting can view exhibits and obtain project information at www.modot.org/southwest. Comments on this project can be mailed in, emailed, or submitted online through the project website until Tuesday, December 1. For those unable to access the online meeting, contact MoDOT’s Southwest District Office, and accommodations will be made to share the information and gather feedback.

Project information and exhibits will also be available for the Forward 44: Joplin I-44 Widening Project between Main Street and Range Line Road in Joplin.

A Forward 44: Southwest I-44 Improvements Project public hearing was held on Thursday, September 24, at the Wilson Logistics Arena at the Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield.

MoDOT is committed to providing access to this event for all participants. If you need a reasonable accommodation or translation services, please contact Southwest District Communications at 417.895.7600 by November 10. For those unable to access the online meeting, contact MoDOT’s Southwest District Office, and accommodations will be made to share the information and gather feedback.

Project proposed improvements

High Friction Surface Treatment on the I-44 curves east of Range Line Road in Joplin

Interchange improvements at the I-49N interchange in Fidelity

Pavement improvements on I-44 east of Sarcoxie in Lawrence County

Addition of a westbound I-44 3rd lane from Missouri Route 266 (Chestnut Expressway) in Springfield to Route B in Webster County

Addition of an eastbound I-44 3rd lane from Chestnut Expressway to mile marker 91.2

Existing pavement improvements from Chestnut Expressway to Route B

Widening and rehabilitation of the I-44 bridges over the BNSF railroad

Replacement of the Route EE (Division Street) bridge over I-44 in Springfield

Geometric improvements and bridge replacement at Missouri Route 744 (Kearney Street) in Springfield

Interchange improvements at U.S. Route 160 (West Bypass), Missouri Route 13 (Kansas Expressway), 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 93.4

Pavement improvements and interchange ramp extensions on I-44 from Route B through Conway in Webster and Laclede Counties

Construction is scheduled to begin in Fall 2026 with completion by November 2031.

This $471 million project includes $328 million in General Revenue funding provided by the General Assembly and approved by the governor.