JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A project to rehabilitate six bridges over Interstate 44 in Phelps and Pulaski counties is scheduled to get underway the week of Aug. 18. One bridge will see the long-closed attached sidewalk removed, while the remaining five bridges have supporting structures of the bridges are in good condition, but the bridge decks have deteriorated and need rehabilitation work to extend their expected life.
The project will begin with the closing of two bridges over I-44:
- Pulaski County: Missouri Route 28 in St. Robert.
- Closing Aug. 18 with a signed detour: Use I-44 to either Exit 161 (Pulaski County Route Y) or Exit 169 (Phelps County Route J).
- Phelps County: Route D, approximately 7 miles southwest of Doolittle.
- Closing Aug. 25 with a signed detour: Use I-44 to either Exit 169 (Phelps County Route J) to access the north outer road or Exit 176 (County Road 8490/Sugar Tree Road), then cross I-44 and return westbound to Exit 172 at Route D and the north outer road.
Ramps at Exit 172 (Route D) and Exit 163 (Route 28) will remain open. Both bridges are expected to reopen in late October.
Other bridges over I-44 in this project include:
- Phelps County Route E in Rolla – expected to close for sidewalk removal in late October 2025.
- Phelps County Road 8490 (Sugar Tree Road) 3 miles west of Doolittle – expected to close for rehabilitation in February 2026.
- Phelps County Route J 10 miles southwest of Doolittle – expected to close for rehabilitation in March 2026.
- Phelps County Business U.S. 44/Kingshighway in Rolla – expected to narrow to one lane in April 2026 for rehabilitation. One lane of eastbound traffic will be maintained across the bridge through construction. Westbound traffic will detour to eastbound I-44 to Exit 183 (U.S. Route 63), then cross the interstate and return westbound to Exit 184.
The entire project is expected to be complete by the end of September 2026. All work is weather permitting and schedules are subject to change.
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded a $3,948,366.99 contract for this multi-bridge project to Concrete Strategies, LLC. For more information, visit the websites for these projects. While there, sign up for project-specific email updates:
- Route D, Route E, Route J, County Road 8490, and Kingshighway Bridge Rehabilitation over Interstate 44 in Phelps County | Missouri Department of Transportation
- Missouri Route 28 Bridge Rehabilitation over Interstate 44 in Pulaski County | Missouri Department of Transportation
MoDOT asks all motorists to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones.
For more information about MoDOT projects, traffic updates, or other transportation-related matters, please visit our Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/ or call our 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636). While at modot.org, sign up for work zone updates sent directly to your inbox. Information is also available 24/7 by connecting with us on social media:
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