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 is a critical step to preparing for future projects on I-44.
Study Goals
The goals for the I-44 corridor environmental study are 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 can then be prioritized for further in-depth study to determine a preferred alternative and prepare for detailed design and construction when funds are available.
Next Steps
Two consultants have been hired with the full corridor divided into two. The Forward 44 Study began in early 2024, and work has been done to gather customer feedback and collect data about the current and projected needs along the I-44 corridor. Stakeholder meetings and public meetings occurred throughout summer 2024. Stakeholder meetings are ongoing at this time. It is expected the final Purpose and Need document will be completed in Spring 2025 and will include recommendations on how to divide the 250-mile corridor into smaller project segments for future study.
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
