MoDOT seeks public input on I-44 corridor study…

Last of five meetings to be held in Lebanon Aug. 14

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo - The Missouri Department of Transportation is conducting an environmental study, called Forward 44, of more than 250 miles of Interstate 44 from the Oklahoma state line to the Route 100 east interchange near Gray Summit in Franklin County. This summer, MoDOT is holding a series of public meetings - with the final meeting scheduled for Aug. 14 in Lebanon - and encourages the public to give input on their concerns and observations along I-44.

I-44 is a vital east-west link across Missouri. A 2008 study showed the aging route needs additional roadway capacity to accommodate the increased travel demand. Since the highway was built more than 50 years ago, evolving engineering standards and safety components mean many portions of I-44 are inconsistent with current design standards, and the pavement and bridges need repairs.

The Forward 44 project is an effort to update and validate the outcomes of that 2008 Purpose and Need Study and provide the opportunity for input from stakeholders and the public along the I-44 corridor.

"I-44 continues to be one of Missouri's most important corridors for passenger travel and commercial trucking. This study is the first step in preparing for future projects along this interstate," said MoDOT Assistant Southwest District Engineer Greg Chapman and lead for the Forward 44 study. "Getting input from the public who travel the roadway daily will help identify areas of concern and can assist MoDOT with improving safety and mobility for generations to come."

The public is invited to attend the final meeting Wednesday, Aug. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Wallace Center, 325 Harwood Ave., Lebanon, MO 65536. There will be no formal presentation. Instead, it will be an open-house style, drop-in meeting, where attendees may come at any time during the posted hours to speak with members of the team.

The same information that was shared at the previous meetings will also be shared at the meeting in Lebanon. That information is also available on the project website: modot.org/forward44. The public will be able to provide comments in person at the meeting in Lebanon or online at modot.org/forward44 through Aug. 21.

The other four Forward 44 study initial public meetings are listed below:

• Wednesday, July 17, 4-7 p.m. at St. Clair City Hall, 1 Paul Parks Drive, St. Clair, MO 63077
• Thursday, July 18, 5-7 p.m. at Rolla City Hall, 901 N. Elm St., Rolla, MO 65401
• Tuesday, July 23, 4:30-6 p.m. at the Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th, Joplin, MO 64804
• Thursday, July 25, 4:30-6 p.m. at Crossway Baptist Church, 2900 N. Barnes Ave., Springfield, MO 65803

For more information on the I-44 Corridor Study, call MoDOT at 888 ASK MODOT (888-275-6636) or visit the Forward 44 website for the latest updates and to sign up for Forward 44 news.

For traffic updates or other transportation-related matters, please call 888 ASK-MoDOT (888-275-6636) or visit our Traveler Information Map. Information is also available 24/7 via social media. Follow the MoDOT Central Missouri District on social media:

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