MoDOT Switches Traffic On I-44 In Phelps County Aug. 10-11

Highway improvements continue through August

WILLOW SPRINGS - MoDOT is continuing work to complete construction on I-44 west of Rolla in Phelps County (mile marker 172-176) this month.

Shortly after midnight on Wednesday, August 10 crews will switch one westbound I-44 lane onto the newly constructed section of the highway. Westbound I-44 is currently restricted to one lane and will remain restricted to one lane following this switch. At approximately 6 a.m. on Thursday, August 11 crews will then switch eastbound I-44 onto the newly constructed section of the highway. Following this traffic switch eastbound I-44 will be restricted to one lane. Lane restrictions will be in place so that crews can continue work to tie-in the new I-44 lanes to the existing I-44 lanes. All permanent lane restrictions are expected to be removed by Sept. 1, 2005.

Motorists can expect delays from noon to 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists are encouraged to plan their trips accordingly or use alternates routes during these hours. Those traveling to the Lake of the Ozarks from St. Louis are encouraged take Route 50 to Route 54.

This two-mile project will realign I-44 and straighten the roadway between the Route D Exit (mile marker 172) and Sugar Tree Outer Road Exit (mile marker 176). This project will improve safety along I-44 at this location and bring the highway up to current design standards.