PHELPS COUNTY – Significant traffic impacts are expected this summer for motorists traveling on Interstate 44 in Phelps County. A project to repair the bridges that carry Interstate 44 over Smith and Tater Hollow will begin on Tuesday, May 29. The bridges are located between mile markers 171 and 173 near the Jerome exit on I-44.
Only one bridge will be worked on at a time and each bridge will take approximately one month to complete.
On May 29, repair work will start on the westbound I-44 bridge. One westbound lane will be closed from mile marker 171 to mile marker 173 on I-44 while repairs are made to the bridge. During this work, contractors will also extend the existing I-44 westbound climbing lane at mile marker 171.8 an additional 800 feet. When completed, this will allow motorists more time to accelerate and merge with I-44 westbound traffic.
Here is the remaining schedule for the I-44 bridge project this summer, which also includes repairing a third bridge on the I-44 westbound off-ramp to Jerome. All work schedules are weather permitting:
- On July 27, work will begin on the eastbound I-44 bridge. One eastbound lane of I-44 will be closed through the work zone from mile marker 171 to mile marker 173.
- Work will begin on the I-44 westbound off-ramp bridge to Jerome on Aug. 13. During the work, the I-44 off-ramp to Jerome will be closed to traffic. The ramp will be closed for one month while repairs are completed.
The eastbound and westbound bridges on I-44 carry about 14,000 vehicles per day. The Missouri Department of Transportation expects backups and traffic delays during peak travel times, especially during Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
“We want to make sure people are aware of this work so they can plan ahead,” said MoDOT Central District Construction and Materials Engineer Randy Aulbur. “We know this work will be an inconvenience, but maintaining the bridges will provide 20 or more years of additional service, as well as a smoother ride for travelers. It’s important that we preserve the investments we’ve made in these bridges.”
The project also includes evening asphalt resurfacing and guardrail work on I-44 from mile marker 145 to mile marker 177 in Laclede, Pulaski, and Phelps Counties.
The resurfacing portion of the project begins on June 4. Motorists can expect one-lane closures in only one direction on I-44 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays until late September.
For more information about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/central. You can also follow the Central District on social media on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOTCentralMissouriDistrict or on Twitter @MoDOT_Central.