The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) provided an update recently on its “Forward 44” plan to improve Interstate 44, saying the study is now expected to be completed by February 2025 — earlier than previously anticipated.
The Forward 44 project is a comprehensive planning study of more than 250 miles of I-44 from the Oklahoma state line in Newton County to exit 251 in Franklin County. MoDOT’s Forward 44 team held an initial stakeholder meeting in May, followed by public information meetings in St. Clair, Joplin, Springfield, Lebanon and Rolla in July and August.
“Feedback from the public was positive and attendees identified several issues affecting I-44 with the top three being safety, congestion and freight traffic. In addition, over 1,600 public comments were received via the Forward 44 website,” according to the Forward 44 Quarterly Stakeholders Update emailed recently. “These comments are being reviewed and a summary report will be prepared,”MoDOT said.
The Forward 44 team has also been gathering and analyzing data for the study on topics including traffic and safety, bridge conditions, cost estimates, hazardous waste, natural resources and more.
“This analysis will be used in the preparation of numerous technical memorandums that are in various stages of completion,” according to MoDOT.
MoDOT is working on a “Purpose & Need Document” expected to be completed late this year or in early 2025, as well as identifying future study sections for further environmental study. “These future environmental studies will be conducted as funding becomes available,” the agency said.
Once the Purpose & Need Document is complete, MoDOT will conduct a second stakeholder meeting in late 2024 or early 2025. The full study is expected to be complete by February 2025, according to the email sent out.