Overview
Missouri’s FY2024 budget from the General Assembly signed into law by Gov. Parson provided $20 million of General Revenue for an environmental study more than 250 miles of the I-44 corridor from the Oklahoma state line to the Franklin County/St Louis County line. This study was a critical step to preparing for future projects on I-44.
Purpose and Need Study
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), initiated this Updated I-44 Statewide Purpose and Need Study (herein F44 Study) to provide an updated comprehensive review of the issues on Interstate 44 (I-44).
Study Goals
The goals for the I-44 corridor environmental study were to validate the outcomes of the 2008 I-44 Purpose and Need Study with the opportunity for the public to provide input and to divide the more than 250 miles of the I-44 corridor into logical independent segments that can further be studied. Those project segments have been prioritized for further in-depth study to determine a preferred alternative and prepare for detailed design and construction when funds are available.
Next Steps
MoDOT will continue further in-depth study of the segments for detailed design and construction as funding is available. MoDOT and its consultants will continue to move forward with I-44 projects outlined in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. The public can stay up to date on the latest work happening along the corridor by visiting the Forward 44 website: modot.org/forward44.
Study Timeline
Two consultants have been hired with the full corridor divided into two. Initial review should begin in early 2024 and will take approximately one year.
Public Meeting Period (5 Meetings )
Final Purpose and Need document completed.
The next stage on more in-depth review in smaller segments will then begin and could take another two years