PHELPS COUNTY, Mo. (News First) – The Missouri Department of Transportation is taking action to repair the segments of concrete where quality issues were discovered this summer on the 8 miles of eastbound I-44 between Rolla and St. James.
Initial repairs have started while MODOT says they continued to discuss plans for the permanent repairs necessary on the stretch of interstate in Phelps County to ensure a quality, long-lasting product for Missouri taxpayers. The preliminary work that began included removing and replacing concrete in the areas with the most significant issues. Eastbound traffic has now shifted to the normal configuration.
The contractor is now resurfacing the westbound lanes of I-44 in this area. That work is being done during nighttime hours, with one westbound lane closed between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. with all lanes open during the day.
MODOT says in 2025 the contractor will return to the eastbound lanes to permanently repair the remainder of the segments identified during the analysis of the full eight miles of concrete placed for the eastbound lanes. These specific details, including the type of repairs and traffic control plans, have yet to be determined.
This eight mile section of I-44 between St. James and Rolla is part of a 50.5 million dollar multi-year project that began in April of 2022.
