New traffic pattern for I-44 in Newton County begins next week

(From MoDOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: New Traffic Pattern for I-44 in Newton Co. Near Exit 6 Beginning Week of Oct. 7

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

When: Beginning week of October 7 for the duration of the project

What: Contractor crews will close I-44 on ramps at Route 43/86 (Exit 6) in preparation to 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

Beginning 7 p.m., Thursday, October 10, east- and westbound Route 43/86-to-I-44 on-ramps CLOSED

Ramps will remain closed for duration of the project

Both I-44 off-ramps at Exit 6 remain OPEN

Beginning 7 p.m., Wednesday, October 16, westbound 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

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 traveling on Route 43/86 under I-44 can expect lane closures and traffic delays when contractor crews are removing bridge deck/driving surface overhead

Watch for equipment and crews entering and exiting 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.