JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The first bridge in a multi-bridge project to rehabilitate six bridges over Interstate 44 in Phelps and Pulaski counties is now open! After closing in mid-August, the Missouri Route 28 bridge over Interstate 44 in St. Robert opened to all traffic today, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025.
The Phelps County Route D bridge over I-44 southwest of Doolittle remains closed. The bridge was originally scheduled to reopen at the end of October, however, as the contractor was rehabilitating the bridge, unexpected deterioration was uncovered. In order to provide a long-lasting roadway that will serve the community for many years, the contractor will require more time to complete the additional work.
This multi-bridge project also includes:
- Phelps County Route E in Rolla – for sidewalk removal in late October 2025 (delayed until Route D is completed). Northbound Route E over I-44 will close and traffic will be redirected via a signed detour over eastbound I-44 to Exit 18t, north on U.S. Route 63, then back westbound on I-44 to Exit 185 at Route E. At this time, southbound Route E over I-44 is expected to remain open during construction.
- 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:
Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram
Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down
###
