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.
The project was part of MoDOT’s November 2025 letting when contractors were able to submit competitive bids. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission considered all bids award a $17,096,648.91 contract at their December 2025 meeting to Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. At that time, a notice to proceed date of Jan. 5, 2026, was given to the contractor. This is the earliest date the contractor was allowed to begin work.
Rolling roadblocks will be conducted on I-44 for rock blasting near the highway, beginning March 31. These daily blasts are planned to begin around 9 a.m. and could lasting up to 15 minutes per blast - or until the contractor is confident the roadway is safe for traffic to resume. These rolling roadblocks will be led by law enforcement. During these times, all eastbound ramps between Missouri Route 7 and Business Loop 44 (Exits 150 to 159) and all westbound ramps from Business Loop 44 to Route J (Exits 159 to 169) will close.
The westbound entrance ramp at Exit 159 will be CLOSED April 14 through mid-July 2026 while it is extended and improved.
Except for the rolling roadblocks, I-44 is expected to remain open to at least one lane, in both directions, during construction.
By contract, all work must be complete by July 1, 2027, or liquidated damages may be assessed.
Project Location
Project News
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Rolling roadblocks and ramp closures on I-44 to begin this week
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – For the safety of the traveling public, rolling roadblocks and short-term daily closures of several Interstate 44 ramps in the Waynesville/St. Robert area are set to begin next week during blasting operations. A project to...
Why is MoDOT adding climbing lanes and extending the on-ramp?
To improve traffic flow and enhance safety through the corridor. This addition of climbing lanes to this hilly section of I-44 will allow slower-moving vehicles the time and space 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?
Rolling roadblocks will be conducted on I-44 for rock blasting near the highway, beginning March 31. These daily blasts are planned to begin around 9 a.m. and could lasting up to 15 minutes per blast - or until the contractor is confident the roadway is safe for traffic to resume. These rolling roadblocks will be led by law enforcement. During these times, all eastbound ramps between Missouri Route 7 and Business Loop 44 (Exits 150 to 159) and all westbound ramps from Business Loop 44 to Route J (Exits 159 to 169) will close.
The westbound entrance ramp at Exit 159 will be CLOSED April 14 through mid-July 2026 while it is extended and improved.
Except for the rolling roadblocks, I-44 is expected to remain open to at least one lane, in both directions, during construction.
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?
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