JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Interstate 44, west of Waynesville in Pulaski County, is set to narrow to one lane overnight next week as part of the project to replace the bridge deck (driving surface) of the Missouri Route 7 overpass.
Construction crews working with the Missouri Department of Transportation closed Route 7 over I-44 (Exit 150) on July 13 to begin the bridge project, and promptly removed the existing deck. For the safety of the traveling public while the forms are set for the new bridge deck, crews plan to narrow I-44 and direct traffic up and over the ramps at Exit 150 – one direction each night – overnight Sept. 8 and 10 as follows:
- 7 p.m. Sept. 8 – 6 a.m. Sept. 9:
- No access to/from eastbound I-44 to Route 7 and Pulaski County Route P.
- Eastbound I-44 reduced to one lane and directed up and over the ramps at Exit 150.
- 7 p.m. Sept. 10 – 6 a.m. Sept. 11:
- No access to/from westbound I-44 to Route 7.
- Westbound I-44 reduced to one lane and directed up and over the ramps at Exit 150.
For the remainder of construction, the on- and off-ramps at Exit 150 will remain open. There will be no access across I-44, and motorists must use an alternate route. Those traveling southbound Route 7 or to eastbound I-44 will be directed to use westbound I-44 to Missouri Route 133 (Exit 145) to eastbound 1-44. Those traveling north to Route 7 or to westbound I-44 will be directed to use eastbound I-44 to Missouri Route 17 (Exit 153) to westbound I-44.
The bridge is expected to reopen in early December.
All work is weather-permitting and subject to change.
As part of their February 2026 meeting, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded a $1,911,000 contract for this work to West Plains Bridge & Grading, LLC. For more information, or to sign up for project-specific updates, visit the project’s webpage at https://www.modot.org/projects/missouri-route-7-bridge-rehabilitation-over-interstate-44-pulaski-county.
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. Motorists are advised to use extra caution through work zones, obey all traffic signs, and avoid any distractions.
For traffic updates or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit our Traveler Information Map. Information is also available 24/7 via social media. Follow the MoDOT Central Missouri District on social media:
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