SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – The Missouri Department of Transportation is investing $471 million in a project at various locations on Interstate 44 in southwest Missouri to make safety and operational improvements that will accommodate freight traffic, according to Project Director Kristi Bachman.
Multiple locations, one project
The Forward 44 project includes nearly 19 miles of new six-lane interstate between Springfield and Webster County. Several interchanges will also be redesigned, including I-44 and I-49 at Fidelity and I-44 and Kansas Expressway in Springfield.
“Greene County will receive an added lane in both directions beginning at Chestnut Expressway all the way almost to Route B in Webster County in the westbound direction,” Bachman said. “Eastbound direction, it will end between Strafford and Northview Route B. So 18.9 new miles of 6-laning in the Greene and Webster County.”
“This isn’t your typical resurfacing job or bridge replacement. This is a transformative project that will carry transportation through this region for decades to come,” said Travis Koestner with Capital Teams.
Designed for freight traffic
The work is designed with freight traffic in mind and to accommodate more drivers…