Counties Impacted
St. Louis
Route Impacted
44
Work Type
New Pavement Construction
Planning Phase

What is the current situation?

MoDOT will be making multiple road and bridge improvements along I-44 between Eureka and Valley Park in St Louis County to take care of the existing interstate system. This work includes repairing portions of pavement and uneven surfaces along the corridor to help keep the roadway safe and operational for the foreseeable future. 

Portions of the right lane of eastbound I-44 between Route 109 in Eureka and Route 141 in Valley Park have required ongoing repairs in the past and now need to be completely removed and replaced. The eastbound I-44 bridges over Route 109, Route 141 and Fox Creek (between Allenton and Pacific) are due for rehabilitation, while the bridge over Williams Creek (just west of Route 141) needs to be replaced. Along Antire Hill, drivers also regularly experience safety concerns at this steep curve, especially during wet or wintry weather. 

What work will be completed as part of this project?

  • Fixing the pavement and roadway surface where needed along I-44 between Eureka and Valley Park.
  • Repairing several bridges on I‑44.
  • Replacing the I-44 bridges at Williams Creek.
  • Improving culvert structures on both sides of Williams Creek.
  • Rebuilding the interstate median barrier.
  • Adding safety improvements at Antire Hill.

How is the project being funded? 

MoDOT is spending more than $64 million on these pavement, bridge, and safety improvements along I-44 in southwest St. Louis County. The project is funded through legislatively designated funds and the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). This work will improve this section of I-44 for everyone using it, now and in the future, while ensuring the ongoing safety and reliability of our infrastructure.

What is Forward 44?

Forward 44 is an initiative by the Missouri Department of Transportation aimed at improving Interstate 44, a vital east-west link that has been a key freight corridor since its completion in 1966. The initiative addresses outdated design standards and safety components, ensuring that this vital route continues to meet both statewide and national transportation needs. You can find more information on Forward 44 here: Forward 44 | MoDOT.org

 

Project timeline (tentative)

In Progress
Design development
Ongoing

MoDOT and its consultant review the roadway, evaluate the work needed to maintain the existing system and creates a plan to share with the community.

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Not Started
Public Meeting
May 2026

MoDOT holds a public meeting to share the plans for the roadway and to gather input from the community where adjustments may need to be made to timelines or other issues that can be incorporated into the existing plans.

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Not Started
Project awarded
December 2026

Once the plans are finalized, the contract is put out for bid and the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awards the contract to the contractor with the lowest qualified bid. 

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Not Started
Construction begins
2027 (specifics to be determined)

Once the contract has been awarded work can begin on the project.

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For more information, please contact

Contact Photo
Stacey Smith, P.E. MoDOT St. Louis District Project Director
Stacey Smith, P.E.
Title
Project Director for Procurement and Design
Department
St. Louis District
Contact Info
Contact Photo
Ryan Pearcy
Ryan Pearcy
Title
Area Engineer -- South/West St. Louis County
Department
St. Louis District
Contact Info

Office: 314-453-5086
Email: ryan.pearcy@modot.mo.gov