🚧 I-44 CONSTRUCTION UPDATE – PLAN AHEAD! 🚧
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has provided an update regarding the final stages of the I-44 improvement project in Pulaski County. The project, which is adding a climbing lane in each direction to improve safety and drivability along the I-44 corridor, is entering its final stages.

⚠️ MAJOR TRAFFIC IMPACTS EXPECTED
Beginning at 9 p.m. Sunday, September 13, and continuing into early October 2026, an around-the-clock lane closure will be in place on eastbound I-44 between mile markers 159.4 and 160 in the St. Robert/Waynesville area. The lane closure, the current ramp closure at Exit 159, and the resulting major traffic impacts are expected to continue through early October. Some finishing work may still be necessary after that time. If you are traveling through Waynesville or St. Robert during this time, please plan accordingly. Traffic backups are expected, and travel times may be significantly longer than normal. Please allow extra time to get to work, school, appointments, events, and other destinations. Drivers should remain alert and watch for changing traffic patterns throughout construction.

📍 Learn more about the project and current construction updates:
https://www.modot.org/projects/interstate-44-widening-pulaski-county

❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

🏈 What will happen with the Homecoming Day Parade?
The City is aware of the potential traffic impacts and is working directly with MoDOT regarding the Homecoming Day Parade. We will continue to communicate with MoDOT as the project progresses and will provide updates to the public as they’re received.

🚗 Can the City restrict traffic downtown to help alleviate congestion?
No. The City cannot restrict who is permitted to travel through downtown. State-maintained roads must remain open to all traffic, and the City does not have the authority to limit traffic simply because of the I-44 construction.

🚦 Can the downtown stoplights be looked at to help with traffic flow?
Yes. The City has actively requested that MoDOT evaluate the downtown traffic signals in anticipation of the increased traffic during this construction period. However, the downtown signals are under MoDOT's jurisdiction, so ultimately, the City cannot require MoDOT to make changes to the signal timing or operation. We will continue to communicate with MoDOT and advocate for measures that may help traffic move as safely and efficiently as possible.

🚶 Will the City sidewalk improvements on Ichord Avenue be happening at the same time?
The sidewalk improvement project on Ichord Avenue, funded through a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Grant, is scheduled to begin in early 2027. Scheduling the project for this time will help avoid adding another significant traffic impact to the area while the I-44 project is underway.

🚧 A TEMPORARY INCONVENIENCE FOR A LONG-TERM SAFETY IMPROVEMENT
We understand that these construction impacts are frustrating. The I-44 improvements are important safety enhancements designed to improve the safety and drivability of this corridor and, ultimately, help save lives. Unfortunately, improvements of this magnitude come with some growing pains. There is no practical way for the City to prevent the additional traffic from coming through our community while this work is underway. We know the increased congestion will be inconvenient for our residents, businesses, and visitors, and we appreciate everyone's patience as we work through this temporary period.

Please remember this is temporary. Once the project is complete, our community will have safer and improved infrastructure that will serve drivers for years to come. We can certainly acknowledge the frustration while also remembering the bigger picture. Online complaints and negativity don't solve the traffic problem — they only create more division within our community. Let's give one another a little extra patience, extend grace to our neighbors, and work together to get through this period.

The inconvenience is temporary. The safety improvements will be long-lasting, and we believe they will be worth it.