Districts Impacted
MoDOT is planning pavement and interchange improvements on I-44 in Laclede and Phelps counties. In Laclede County, pavement improvements will span approximately 10.5 miles, focusing on replacing deteriorated pavement and rebuilding key sections of the driving surface between Missouri Route 133 and Route F (Exits 145 – 135). The goal of the project is to enhance drivability, improve safety, and address drainage needs along this section of I-44.
In Phelps County, improvements include rebuilding pavement and interchange improvements at Route V (Exit 189) in Rolla and at Missouri Route 68 (Exit 195) in St. James. Pavement improvements include approximately 10.4 miles of westbound I-44 from 0.5 miles east of the U.S. Route 63 interchange in Rolla to the Sugar Tree Road interchange, west of Doolittle. In addition, both directions of I-44 will see alignment improvements and widening to three lanes each direction from Kingshighway to Tim Bradley Way in Rolla. These pavement and interchange improvements will enhance safety, improve pavement conditions, and support future traffic needs.
Project Milestones
Two in-person public information meetings were held Oct. 13, 2026: one in Rolla and one in St. James. Members of the project team was on hand to provide updates on the preliminary plans for the pavement and interchange improvements planned for Phelps County. Attendees were able to choose the meeting which was most convenient for them. There was no formal presentation, so attendees could come and go as they please during the advertised times below.
- Rolla Forward 44 Public Informational Meeting
- Oct. 13, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. at Rolla City Hall, 901 N. Elm Street, Rolla.
- St. James Forward 44 Public Informational Meeting
- Oct. 13, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the St. James Council Chambers, 1320 Nelson Hart Drive, St. James.
The project is currently scheduled to be part of MoDOT's November 2026 letting, when contractors may submit competitive bids. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission may award the contract as part of their December 2026 meeting and, if the contract is awarded, a notice to proceed date will also be given. That is the earliest date the contractor may begin work.
The projects are currently scheduled to be part of MoDOT's April 2027 letting, when contractors may submit competitive bids. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission may award the contract as part of their May 2027 meeting and, if the contract is awarded, a notice to proceed date will also be given. That is the earliest date the contractor may begin work.
Once a contractor has been awarded, the contractor will meet with MoDOT to determine the exact schedule of work including beginning and end dates.
Once a contractor has been awarded, the contractor will meet with MoDOT to determine the exact schedule of work including beginning and end dates.
April 2026 Public Meeting Videos, Displays and Handouts
October 2026 Informational Meeting Videos, Displays and Handouts
Public Meetings
Two in-person public information meetings were held Oct. 13, 2026: one in Rolla and one in St. James. Members of the project team were on hand to provide updates on the preliminary plans for the pavement and interchange improvements planned for Phelps County. Attendees chose the meeting which is most convenient for them. There will be no formal presentation, so attendees were able to come and go as they please during the advertised times below.
- Rolla Forward 44 Public Informational Meeting
- Oct. 13, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. at Rolla City Hall, 901 N. Elm Street, Rolla.
- St. James Forward 44 Public Informational Meeting
- Oct. 13, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the St. James Council Chambers, 1320 Nelson Hart Drive, St. James.
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Two in-person public meetings were held in April 2026 for members of the project team to provide information and answer questions from the community about planned corridor improvements on I-44 in Laclede, Phelps and Pulaski counties. There was no formal presentation, so members of the public were able to come and go as they please during the advertised hours below. By participating and commenting, the public helps MoDOT determine what best serves the needs of the motorists who use the interstate on an average day, while being responsible stewards of available funding.
- Lebanon Forward 44 Public Meeting (focused on Laclede County improvements).
- April 15, 5-7 p.m. at the Wallace Building, 325 Harwood Avenue, Lebanon.
- Rolla Forward 44 Public Meeting (focused on Phelps/Pulaski County improvements).
- April 29, 5-7 p.m. at Rolla City Hall, 901 N. Elm Street, Rolla.
Project News
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MoDOT to host public open house on I-44 improvements in the Rolla and St. James area
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Transportation invites the public to attend an open house to learn about planned improvements along Interstate 44 in and near the communities of Rolla and St. James. The open house will take place on W...
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MoDOT to host public open house on I-44 improvements in Laclede County
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. –
The Missouri Department of Transportation invites the public to attend an open house to learn about planned improvements along Interstate 44 between the Missouri Route 133 and Route F interchanges in Laclede County (Exit 145-135...