Districts Impacted
Project Summary
The geography of Interstate 44 in Pulaski County at Roubidoux Creek often poses a problem for slower-moving vehicles. To improve traffic flow and safety, a climbing lane will be added to each direction of the interstate and the entrance ramp auxiliary lane onto westbound I-44 at Exit 159 will be lengthened.
Project Progress
The Missouri Department of Transportation and its consultant have designed new climbing lanes within the existing right of way, and improvements to the ramp and sight distance at exit 159.
MoDOT is hosting a public informational meeting in September 2025. The goal of the meeting is to inform the public of the project scope and more specifically make them aware of the westbound on-ramp closure from U.S. Route 66 at Exit 159.
The project is scheduled to be part of MoDOT’s May 2026 letting when contractors will submit competitive bids. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission will consider all bids and may award the contract at their June meeting. If awarded at that time, notice to proceed date will be given to the contractor. This is the earliest date the contractor may begin work.
The westbound entrance ramp at Exit 159 will be CLOSED for the duration of the project. A few temporary closures of I-44 for rock blasting near the highway lasting up to 15 minutes per blast are planned. Advance notice of these brief closures will be provided.
Except for those brief closures, Interstate 44 is expected to remain open in both directions during construction. There will be four phases where eastbound I-44 will narrow to one lane, 21 days at a time, for a total of 84 days. During those phases, an alternate route will be signed to help alleviate congestion.
Westbound I-44 is expected to remain open to two lanes for the duration of the project, except during construction setup and teardown.
At this time, construction is anticipated to be completed by Dec. 1, 2026. The start date and exact schedule of work are yet to be determined.
Project Location
Project News
Why is MoDOT adding climbing lanes and extending the on-ramp?
This addition of climbing lanes to this hilly section of I-44 will allow slower traffic space and time to get up the hill, while allowing faster-moving traffic to maintain interstate speeds. The lengthening of the Exit 159 westbound on-ramp will improve sight distance and provide vehicles additional room to merge into interstate traffic.
How will the construction affect traffic?
The westbound entrance ramp at Exit 159 will be CLOSED for the duration of the project. A few temporary closures of I-44 for rock blasting near the highway lasting up to 15 minutes per blast are planned. Advance notice of these brief closures will be provided.
Except for those brief closures, Interstate 44 is expected to remain open in both directions during construction. There will be four phases where eastbound I-44 will narrow to one lane, 21 days at a time, for a total of 84 days. During those phases, an alternate route will be signed to help alleviate congestion.
Westbound I-44 is expected to remain open to two lanes for the duration of the project, except during construction setup and teardown.
Who can I contact with further questions?
You may email cdcr@modot.mo.gov or call us at 888 ASK MODOT (1-888-275-6636). Please reference Pulaski County Interstate 44 Climbing Lanes Project on your inquiries.
How can I stay updated on the project’s progress?
Sign up for project-specific updates using the form below.