Multi-bridge rehabilitation project over I-44 to resume in March

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Contractors are gearing up to resume rehabilitation work on several bridges over Interstate 44 in Phelps County in early March. will include the full closure of two bridges and the partial closure of a third. While the supporting structures of the bridges are in good condition, the bridge decks have deteriorated and require rehabilitation work to extend their useful life. Work on the final two bridges in the bundle has not been scheduled.

Below is the planned schedule of work, subject to change:

• Phelps County Route D , approximately 7 miles southwest of Doolittle.
  • Closing March 9 - 13 to complete roadway paving and work on expansion joints. The on and off ramps at this overpass (Exit 172) will remain open and a signed detour will be in place during the bridge closure
• Phelps County Road 8490 (Sugar Tree Road) , 3 miles west of Doolittle.
  • Closing March 16 - May 11 for bridge rehabilitation. The on and off ramps at this overpass (Exit 176) will remain open and a signed detour will be in place during the bridge closure.
• Phelps County Business U.S. 44/Missouri Route 72/Kingshighway in Rolla.
  • Work planned March 23 - June 11 for bridge rehabilitation (Exit 184). One lane of eastbound traffic will be maintained across the bridge through construction. Westbound traffic will detour to eastbound I-44 to Exit 183 (U.S. Route 63), then cross the interstate and return westbound to Exit 184.

Work has not yet been scheduled on the two remaining bridges in the bundle:

• Phelps County Route E, in Rolla (Exit 185).
  • Northbound lane to close for sidewalk removal. At this time the southbound lane is expected to remain open.
• Phelps County Route J, 10 miles southwest of Doolittle (Exit 169).
  • Bridge to close for rehabilitation.

The rehabilitation of the Missouri Route 28 bridge over I-44 in St. Robert (Pulaski County) is also part of this bundle of work and was completed in 2025. Work on the remaining five bridges is expected to be completed by the end of September 2026. That date could be extended, if unexpected deterioration is discovered during the work, as happened at the Route D bridge, or due to inclement weather.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded a $3,948,366.99 contract for this multi-bridge project to Concrete Strategies, LLC. For more information, visit the websites for these projects. While there, sign up for project-specific email updates:

MoDOT asks all motorists to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones.

For more information about MoDOT projects, traffic updates, or other transportation-related matters, please visit our Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/ or call our 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636). While at modot.org, sign up for work zone updates sent directly to your inbox. Information is also available 24/7 by connecting with us on social media:

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