Newton County – Work to rehabilitate the westbound I-44/Missouri Route 86 bridge (Exit 6) in Joplin resumes the week of March 23, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.
Contractor crews will resume work removing the bridge deck/driving surface of the westbound bridge and replace it with a new driving surface. This bridge was built in 1956 with approximately 44,425 vehicles per day traveling over the bridge. Work was suspended last December for the winter.
Traffic impacts:
- Beginning the week of March 23, contractor crews will begin work re-opening the crossover lanes in the median
- Once crossover lanes are open, contractor will CLOSE the westbound left lane of the bridge and shift one lane of westbound traffic head-to-head on the eastbound lanes, leaving one westbound lane (left lane) open
- Both eastbound lanes of I-44 will be narrowed, but traffic will remain open
- Route 86-to-I-44 eastbound on-ramp CLOSED to traffic
- Drivers should expect traffic delays
- Work will be done during nighttime hours, 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Drivers on Missouri Route 43/86 can expect lane closures and traffic delays while contractor crews are removing bridge deck/driving surface overhead
- Watch for equipment and crews entering and exiting the work zone
- Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone
- Drivers should consider alternate routes during the project
- Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts
Weather and/or construction delays could alter the work schedule.
Project information:
- Prime contractor – Hartman & Co. Inc., Springfield
- Total project cost: $3.1 million
- Contract completion date: Summer 2025
For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest
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