Expect traffic delays during I-44 resurfacing project

(From MODOT)

Expect Traffic Delays During Resurfacing Project on I-44 & Route 166 Beginning Week of March 21

Southwest District – Drivers can expect lane closures and traffic delays when a project to resurface a section of I-44 and U.S. Route 166 in Newton and Jasper counties begins the week of March 21, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

The contractor will begin work by installing guardrail in various locations along I-44 between the Missouri/Oklahoma border and a point just east of I-49/Missouri Route 59 at Fidelity, and on Route 166 between the Missouri/Kansas border and I-44 beginning the week of March 21. When that work is complete, contractor crews will suspend work for a time.

Then beginning in the spring, contractor crews will return to lay a new asphalt surface, permanent lane markings, rumble strips and detector loops along that same stretch of I-44. In addition, the project includes paving at the Welcome Center on eastbound I-44 at Mile Marker 1.6 as well as extending the acceleration lane at the end of the westbound-I-44-to-northbound I-49 ramp (Exit 18).

Traffic Impacts for Route 166:
Drivers will encounter lane closures and flaggers directing traffic through the work zone
Contractor crews will be working during nighttime hours, 7 p.m.-5 a.m.
All lanes OPEN during daytime hours
Drivers should use caution when traveling through the work zone and watch for crews and equipment working close to traffic
Drivers should find alternate routes around the work zone
Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone
No signed detour
Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Traffic Impacts for I-44:
Expect lane closures where contractor crews are installing guardrail and laying asphalt
Contractor crews will be working during nighttime hours, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
At least one lane of traffic will be OPEN in each direction at all times
Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone
Signed detours:
Westbound I-44 to northbound I-49 – westbound drivers will travel to Exit 13 (Prigmor Avenue), then back to eastbound I-44
Northbound Missouri Route 59 to westbound I-44 – northbound drivers will continue north on Route 59/I-49 to Exit 47 (Cedar Road), then around to southbound I-49 and to westbound I-44 (Exit 46)
Loop 44/Missouri Route 66 interchange (Exit 15) is not available as a detour
Drivers should find alternate routes around the work zone
Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or construction delays will alter the work schedule.

Project Information:
Prime contractor: Blevins Asphalt Construction Co. Inc., Mt. Vernon
Total project cost: $5.4 million
Completion date: November 1, 2022