MoDOT seeks I-44 input at Rolla meeting

A series of public meetings are scheduled in the coming weeks — including one in this area — to help the Missouri Department of Transportation conduct an environmental study of Interstate 44.

The review, called Forward 44, will encompass a highly traveled east-west corridor that stretches from the Oklahoma state line to the Highway 100 interchange near Gray Summit in Franklin County.

Five meetings will be held, including one in Rolla. The public is asked to attend and provide concerns and any observations about the interstate. The Phelps County meeting is 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at Rolla City Hall.

“I-44 continues to be one of Missouri’s most important corridors for passenger travel and commercial trucking. This study is the first step in preparing for future projects along this interstate,” said MoDOT assistant southwest district engineer Greg Chapman, in a news release.

Chapman, lead for the Forward 44 study, said: “Getting input from the public who travel the roadway daily will help identify areas of concern and can assist MoDOT with improving safety and mobility for generations to come.”

According to MoDOT, a 2008 study showed the aging route needs additional roadway capacity to accommodate the increased travel demand. Since the highway was built more than 50 years ago, evolving engineering standards and safety components mean many portions of I-44 are inconsistent with current design standards, and the pavement and bridges need repairs, MoDOT said.

Public comments will be accepted, in person or online through Aug. 21 at modot.org/forward44.

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