PHELPS COUNTY, MO – Starting Wednesday, February 22, contractors for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will begin to shift traffic and crossover the median from the Eastbound passing lane, utilizing the Westbound passing lane along Interstate 44 from Rolla to St. James.
The Eastbound driving lane will remain on the Eastbound side of Interstate 44. It is intended that two lanes of traffic will be maintained in both the Eastbound and Westbound directions throughout the duration of the project. When the traffic switch is completed, contractors will begin making repairs to the Eastbound driving lane shoulder to be utilized by vehicles during a future phase of work on the project. When the shoulder repairs are completed, work will commence on the Eastbound passing lane.
Once the Eastbound passing lane is completed, work will continue the Eastbound driving lane. The majority of the work will be performed during daytime hours from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. There may be periods of time when work will occur during nighttime hours. MoDOT says work is expected to be completed by late fall 2023.
MoDOT advises travelers to expect Eastbound delays and is asking Eastbound trucks and local traffic to use the right lane only between US HWY 63 Exit 186 and the St. James Exit 195. The State HWY V Exit 189 and St. James Exit 195 are expected to remain open for the duration of the project.
Motorists are advised to use extra caution through work zones, obey all traffic signs, and avoid any distractions.
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This work is weather permitting and could be delayed. For more information and updates about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/central. Follow the MoDOT Central Missouri District on social media for project updates.