MoDOT to host public open house on I-44 improvements in the Rolla and St. James area

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Transportation invites the public to attend an open house to learn about planned improvements along Interstate 44 in and near the communities of Rolla and St. James. The open house will take place on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Rolla City Hall, 901 N. Elm Street, Rolla, MO 65401.

MoDOT is planning improvements within this corridor, including:

• Rebuilding approximately 10.4 miles of westbound I-44 from east of the U.S. Route 63 interchange in Rolla to the Sugar Tree Road interchange west of Doolittle to improve drivability and safety.
• Reconstruct portions of eastbound I-44 within the city of Rolla to improve drivability and safety.
• Capacity and safety improvements at the interchange at I-44 and Route V (Exit 189) including the replacement of the Route V bridge over I-44.
• Improvements at the interchange at I-44 and Route 68/6 (Exit 195) to address safety and capacity needs.

Community members may attend at any time during the two-hour open house to review project information, ask questions, and speak with project staff. There will be no formal presentation. Project information will also be made available online following the meeting.

MoDOT is committed to providing equal access to this event for all participants. If you need a reasonable accommodation or translation services, please contact MoDOT by Thursday, April 23 by calling 573-522-5178 or by emailing [email protected] so arrangements can be made.

In addition to the public meeting, there will be an open comment period running April 29 - May 15, 2026. Input may be submitted online through a form on the project webpage (https://www.modot.org/projects/interstate-44-corridor-upgrades-laclede-and-phelps-counties), emailed to [email protected], or mailed to 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO, 65109. All comments must be received or postmarked by May 15, 2026.

More details about the project and all exhibits from the in-person meeting are available here: https://www.modot.org/projects/interstate-44-corridor-upgrades-laclede-and-phelps-counties

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. Motorists are advised to use extra caution through work zones, obey all traffic signs, and avoid any distractions.

For traffic updates or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (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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Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down

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