JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Good news for those who regularly travel Interstate 44 near Waynesville and St. Robert as the contractor was able to restore both eastbound lanes early this morning, Aug. 6, ahead of schedule. The contractor, working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, had narrowed eastbound I-44 to one lane on Sunday, July 19, as part of a project to add a climbing lane in each direction between Exit 159 and mile marker 157.2. The lane closure was originally expected to be in place through mid-August.
This moves the contractor into the next phase of the project, which closed the off-ramp from eastbound I-44 to Business Loop 44 at Exit 159 overnight, as well. It will remain closed through the next few stages, including another 21-day around-the-clock eastbound lane closure, planned to begin shortly after Labor Day.
Intermittent ramp closures of the on-ramp from Business Loop 44 to eastbound I-44 at Exit 159 are expected to continue through the next stages of the project.
These ramp and lane closures are necessary because elements of the construction such as work zone proximity to ramp access, pavement differentials, and grade corrections create conditions that would not be safe for drivers.
More information about the project and to sign up for project-specific email updates, visit modot.org/projects/interstate-44-widening-pulaski-county.
Drivers are advised to slow down and be alert for changing traffic patterns throughout construction, which is expected to continue through fall 2026.
All work is weather-permitting and subject to change.
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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Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down
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