Forward 44: Major Interstate Improvements Set to Strengthen Southwest Missouri’s Economy

Major improvements are coming to Interstate 44, with new investment aimed at improving safety, strengthening freight movement and supporting economic growth across southwest Missouri.

During a recent Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Inside the Issues event, representatives from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and its project partners shared updates on the Forward 44 initiative, outlining planned improvements and their anticipated impacts on businesses, commuters and travelers.

Advocating for regional transportation investment

Forward 44 demonstrates the importance of sustained advocacy and collaboration among state lawmakers, transportation officials, local governments and business leaders.

Transportation infrastructure remains a consistent priority for Chamber members because of its direct connection to workforce mobility, business competitiveness and economic opportunity.

For southwest Missouri, Forward 44 represents more than an interstate improvement project. It is a long-term investment in safer travel, stronger business connections and the infrastructure needed to support the region's continued growth.

A $577.5 million investment in Interstate 44

Following a 2025 study of approximately 250 miles of I-44, MoDOT identified priority improvements addressing aging infrastructure, heavy truck traffic, congestion and safety concerns.

The Missouri General Assembly allocated $577.5 million for improvements along the interstate, including $324 million for MoDOT's Southwest District. The investment will address several of the corridor's highest-priority needs, with an emphasis on improving safety, supporting economic development and maintaining reliable transportation connections. Specifically, this includes:

Specifically, this includes:

• Replacing pavement and widening I-44 to six lanes between Route 13 (Kansas Expressway) and U.S. Route 65
• Replacing the following bridges carrying I-44 over city streets:
  • Broadway Avenue Bridge
  • Grant Avenue Bridge
  • National Avenue Bridge
• Building a pedestrian underpass and trail improvements east of Grant Avenue
• Resurfacing I-44 between west of Chestnut Expressway and east of U.S. Route 160 (West Bypass)
• Building a sound wall south of I-44 from the National Avenue Bridge west

A design-build team led by Capital Materials, Paving & Construction and Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. will deliver the project. The team was selected through a competitive process.

Major improvements across the I-44 corridor

During the event, project representatives provided a closer look at planned improvements across southwest Missouri, highlighting how each section will address distinct transportation needs. Drivers may already be experiencing project work to widen lanes across several Springfield sections of I-44.

Western corridor: Improving freight movement near Joplin

Near the Fidelity Interchange, the I-44 and I-49 connection will be transformed from a cloverleaf configuration into a turbine-style interchange. The redesign will improve traffic flow and make the interchange easier for large trucks to navigate, reducing challenging merging movements and improving safety.

Additional improvements include pavement replacement, wider shoulders and high-friction pavement treatments in areas where greater traction is needed.

Springfield corridor: Expanding capacity and improving access

Some of the most significant changes will occur along I-44 through Springfield, where much of the interstate between Route 266 and Northview will expand to three lanes in each direction.

A major redesign of the Route 13 interchange will address congestion and improve access to Springfield's north side. Plans include a new flyover ramp connecting southbound Route 13 to eastbound I-44, relocation of the Norton Road intersection and new access to Grant Avenue.

A collector-distributor road, a parallel road that separates local traffic from interstate traffic, will allow safer merging and improved connections to nearby businesses and destinations.

Other improvements include converting the Route 160 interchange to a diverging diamond configuration, enhancing the eastbound I-44 connection to southbound U.S. 65 and replacing bridges at Division and Kearney streets. The bridge projects will also consider future pedestrian and multiuse trail connections.

Eastern corridor: Increasing capacity and supporting commercial traffic

East of Springfield, improvements toward Northview will include additional travel lanes, roadway realignment and pavement upgrades. The project also includes relocating truck parking from the Route 125 area to a new location near Northview, providing improved access and opportunities for future expansion.

Farther east toward Conway, improvements will include pavement resurfacing and longer interchange ramps to help trucks and other vehicles safely enter and exit the interstate. These upgrades will strengthen the corridor's ability to accommodate commercial transportation and future traffic demands.

Construction timelines and anticipated traffic impacts

Project representatives said preliminary activities could begin this winter, with major construction expected to increase in 2027 and continue through 2028 and 2029.

Minimizing traffic disruptions remains a priority throughout construction. Where possible, new ramps and bridges will be built outside existing travel lanes to help maintain interstate access through construction.

Overall, drivers can anticipate the following traffic impacts:

• Narrowed lanes and traffic shifts on I-44
• Two lanes of traffic in each direction on I-44, except for short-duration closures during nighttime hours
• Temporary I-44 ramp closures
• Closure of the Glenstone Avenue on-ramp to westbound I-44 (Exit 80) is closed through project completion for safety reasons
• Road and bridge closures on Broadway Avenue, Grant Avenue and National Avenue
• Potential delays during higher traffic volume

As construction progresses, businesses and travelers are encouraged to follow MoDOT's project updates and sign up for automated construction notifications.

For the latest information, visit MoDOT's Forward 44 Southwest Missouri project page or subscribe to the Forward 44 monthly newsletter for ongoing project updates.

Get involved in regional transportation advocacy

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce's Transportation Committee plays an important role in advancing regional transportation priorities, serving as a catalyst for communication and action to improve the Springfield area's transportation system.

Interested in learning more about the Chamber's transportation advocacy efforts or getting involved with the Transportation Committee? Contact our Public Affairs team to learn more.