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 improve safety and drivability along the I-44 corridor, will add climbing lanes in each direction between Exit 159 and mile marker 157.2. Nearby rock will need to be removed to accommodate add the climbing lanes. The project will also lengthen the westbound on-ramp at Exit 159.

Contractors working with the Missouri Department of Transportation will use explosives to blast portions of the rock alongside the interstate. Due to the large debris field these blasts will create, short-term closures of several ramps and rolling interstate roadblocks will be required, led by local law enforcement and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Daily blasts are scheduled to begin the morning of Tuesday, March 31. Initial blasts will be smaller, with larger blasts starting April 2. Blasting operations are expected to continue through April 24.

RAMP CLOSURES:

During both the smaller and larger blasts, all ramps at the locations noted below will be closed:

Eastbound

• Exit 150 (Missouri Route 7)
• Exit 153 (Buckhorn)
• Exit 156 (Route H)
• Exit 159 (Business Loop 44)

Westbound

• Exit 169 (Route J)
• Exit 163 (Missouri Route 28)
• Exit 161 (Route Y)
• Exit 159 (Business Loop 44)
  • The westbound Business Loop 44 ramp will close April 14 and could remain closed through mid-July.

INTERSTATE IMPACTS:

In addition, traffic on the interstate will be narrowed and slowed significantly in this area with law enforcement leading traffic through, once the blast is over. One lane of I-44 will remain closed daily, until all blast debris has been cleared.

For everyone's safety, during daily blasting operations there will be no viewing area for the public or media.

Drivers are advised to be alert for changing traffic patterns throughout construction, which is expected to continue through the end of June 2027.

All work is weather-permitting and subject to change.

MoDOT asks all motorists to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones.

For more information about MoDOT projects, traffic updates, or other transportation-related matters, please visit our Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/ or call our 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636). While at modot.org, sign up for work zone updates sent directly to your inbox. Information is also available 24/7 by connecting with us on social media:

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