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

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 - 6 p.m., Thursday, March 26, at the Joplin Public Library, 1901 E 20th St, Joplin. No formal presentation is planned. Those who attend may come at any time between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to learn about the project, ask questions, and leave comments.

Those unable to attend the in-person meeting can view exhibits and obtain project information at https://www.modot.org/forward44. Comments on this project can be mailed in, emailed, or submitted online through the project website until Thursday, April 9.

MoDOT is committed to providing access to this event for all participants. If you need a reasonable accommodation or translation services, please contact Southwest District Communications at 417.895.7600 by March 19. For those unable to access the online meeting, contact MoDOT's Southwest District Office, and accommodations will be made to share the information and gather feedback.

This work is part of a larger effort to study and bring improvements to I-44. For the latest on work happening along the corridor, visit the Forward 44 website: Forward 44 | Missouri Department of Transportation.

Project Summary:

• 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

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
• Drivers urged to use alternate routes during construction to avoid the work zone
• Electronic message boards and news releases will notify the public of traffic impacts
• Check MoDOT's Traveler Information Map for road closures/traffic impacts

Proposed construction is scheduled for Spring 2027.

The estimated project cost is $25.1 million.

The proposed project is scheduled for completion Winter 2028.

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For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest

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