Work to resume on WB I-44/Route 86 bridge in Newton County

(From MoDOT)

Work Resumes on WB I-44/Route 86 Bridge Rehabilitation in Newton Co., Week of March 23

Work to rehabilitate the westbound I-44/Missouri Route 86 bridge (Exit 6) in Joplin resumes the week of March 23, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

Contractor crews will resume work removing the bridge deck/driving surface of the westbound bridge and replace it with a new driving surface. This bridge was built in 1956 with approximately 44,425 vehicles per day traveling over the bridge. Work was suspended last December for the winter.

Traffic impacts

Beginning the week of March 23, contractor crews will begin work re-opening the crossover lanes in the median

Once crossover lanes are open, contractor will CLOSE the westbound left lane of the bridge and shift one lane of westbound traffic head-to-head on the eastbound lanes, leaving one westbound lane (left lane) open

Both eastbound lanes of I-44 will be narrowed, but traffic will remain open

Route 86-to-I-44 eastbound on-ramp CLOSED to traffic

Drivers should expect traffic delays

Work will be done during nighttime hours, 10 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 zone

Signs 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 construction delays could alter the work schedule.

Project information

Prime contractor – Hartman & Co. Inc., Springfield
Total project cost: $3.1 million
Contract completion date: Summer 2025