Westbound I-44 traffic in Joplin to be shifted to eastbound lanes

(From MoDOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: Westbound I-44 Traffic Shifted to Eastbound Lanes Near Exit 6 Starting Week of Oct. 6

Where: Westbound I-44 at Exit 6 (Missouri Route 43/86) in Joplin

When: Beginning Sunday, October 6 for the duration of the project

What: Contractor crews will shift traffic head-to-head in the eastbound lanes of I-44 as part of a project to rehabilitate the westbound I-44/Missouri Route 43/86 (Hearnes Boulevard/Main Street) bridge

Traffic Impacts

I-44 traffic shifted head-to-head in the eastbound lanes east of Exit 6I-44 traffic returns to normal configuration west of Exit 6

Route 43/86-to-eastbound I-44 on ramp CLOSED

Route 43/86-to-westbound I-44 on ramp CLOSED

Both I-44 off ramps at Exit 6 remain OPEN

Drivers are urged to pay attention to message boards, signs and other traffic control measures to safely travel through the work zone

Work on westbound Route 43/86 bridge will be done mostly during nighttime hours, 7 p.m.-7 a.m.

Drivers on Missouri Route 43/86 can expect lane closures and traffic delays while contractor crews are removing bridge deck/driving surface overhead

Watch for equipment and crews entering and exiting the work zoneSigns and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Drivers should consider alternate routes during the project

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts\

Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.

This work was originally scheduled to begin in late August, but construction issues delayed the start of the project.