Forward 44: Joplin Improvements

Districts Impacted

Southwest

Counties Impacted

Newton

Route Impacted

Work Type

Highway Widening

Planning Phase

Project Milestones

Public Meeting

Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Joplin Public Library, 1901 E 20th St, Joplin

This is a come-and-go style meeting with no formal presentation. If you cannot attend, please review the project information and complete the comment form below by April 9.

Construction

Spring 2027

Construction Completion

Winter 2028

Project Information

Replace pavement and widen I-44 to 6 lanes between Missouri Route 43 (Main Street) and Loop 49 (Range Line Road)
Additional lanes will be installed in the median
The City of Joplin will install a new culvert under I-44 at Spring Creek
Estimated Total Cost of MoDOT portion of project: $25.1 million

Traffic Impacts

Narrowed lanes, traffic shifts on I-44
I-44 will maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction, except for short-duration closures during nighttime hours
I-44 ramp closures
During higher traffic volume, drivers can expect delays

NEWS RELEASES

MoDOT: Forward 44: Joplin Improvements Project in Joplin, Focus of Public Meeting Thursday, March 26

03/12/2026

Joplin, Newton County – Those interested in the Forward 44: Joplin Improvements Project in Joplin are invited to a public meeting on Thursday, March 26, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

The come-and-go style meeting will be held 4:30 –...
TRAFFIC ALERT: Expect Lane Reductions, Ramp Closures at I-44 Exits 6 & 8 Week of Feb. 16

02/11/2026
Where: I-44 at Missouri Route 43/86 (Exit 6) and I-44 at Range Line Road (Exit 8)

When: 9 p.m.-5 a.m., Monday-Thursday, February 16-20

What: Contractor crews inspecting truss signs

Traffic Impacts:
- Westbound I-44 at northbound Route 43/86 ramp (Exit...
TRAFFIC ALERT: Route A/South Indian Creek Bridge in Newton Co. CLOSED for Bridge Work Feb. 17-20

02/10/2026
Where: Newton Route A bridge over South Indian Creek West of Stella

When: 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday-Friday, February 17-20

What: MoDOT crews making repairs to bridge deck/driving surface

Traffic Impacts:
- All lanes of Route A bridge over South Indian...
Missouri to Announce Major Roadway Safety Milestone

01/27/2026

JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri officials are set to reveal new crash data marking a positive milestone in the fight against traffic deaths. The Missouri Department of Transportation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and other safety partners will host...
TRAFFIC ALERT: New Weight Restriction Placed on Route HH/Dry Branch Bridge in Newton Co.

01/21/2026

Newton County – Signs indicating a weight limit of 15 tons for single unit vehicles and 25 tons for combination vehicles (including tractor trailers) have been installed for a bridge on Newton County Route HH over Dry Branch east of Neosho, the...

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Project Files

Frequently Asked Questions:

Will I-44 be closed?

I-44 will have nighttime lane closings at times, but will have two lanes of I-44 traffic in both directions open during daytime hours.

Why are sound walls not being built?

A noise study is done whenever MoDOT adds through lanes, a new road or changes the alignment of a roadway. We can only build walls in those locations where all criteria are met. Additional information on the noise policy can be found here.

What type of pedestrian improvements will be constructed with this project?

The City of Joplin is constructing a new underpass to allow pedestrians and bicyclists to cross under I-44 at Silver Creek. The new underpass will be built concurrently with the I-44 widening project. Please contact the City of Joplin for additional information on the shared-use path.

Is MODOT purchasing property from landowners?

No right-of-way is anticipated currently.

How can I learn more about the I-44 Design-Build Project?

Information about the upcoming I-44 Design-Build Project can be found at the following link: Forward 44: Southwest I-44 Improvements Project | Missouri Department of Transportation

The last day to leave comments on this project is April 9.

Project Contacts

Beth Schaller

Area Engineer

Southwest District

Forward 44: Southwest I-44 Improvements Deputy Project Director,
Ozarks Transportation Organization: Greene & Christian Counties
Email: Beth.Schaller@modot.mo.gov
Phone: (417) 529-4120

Kristi Bachman

Forward 44 Southwest Project Director