City of Joplin officials are urging local residents to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Interstate 44. Public input is valuable, and citizens are encouraged to attend a public meeting held by the Missouri Department of Transportation. The meeting will be from 4:30 to 6:00 pm on Tuesday, July 23, at the Joplin Public Library, 1901 East 20th Street in Joplin.
The meeting is part of MoDOT’s comprehensive environmental study, Forward 44, which covers over 250 miles of Interstate 44 from the Oklahoma state line to the Route 100 east interchange near Gray Summit in Franklin County. Over the next few weeks, MoDOT will hold a series of public meetings in communities along I-44 to seek public comments about concerns and observations along this major corridor that runs from southwest Missouri to St. Louis.
In a recent press release, MoDOT stated, “I-44 is a vital east-west link across Missouri. 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.”
The Forward 44 project aims to update and validate the outcomes of the 2008 Purpose and Need Study and to provide opportunities for input from stakeholders and the public along the I-44 corridor.
“MoDOT is taking the first step to prepare for projects along I-44 by conducting this study,” said Joplin Public Works Director Dan Johnson. “With I-44 running through the southern portion of our community, it’s very important that our citizens come out to hear the information, including MoDOT’s plan to add lanes between Main Street and Range Line Road exits. Citizens should take this opportunity to provide their feedback about this critical corridor for our area.”
MoDOT noted that public comments will assist them in the project planning process to improve safety and transportation efficiency in the future.
Other meetings are scheduled in St. Clair, Rolla, Lebanon, and Springfield. The same information will be shared at these meetings and available on the project website. The public can also provide comments in person or online through August 21.
For more information on the I-44 Corridor Study, call MoDOT at ASK-MODOT (275.6636) or visit the Forward 44 website for the latest updates and to sign up for Forward 44 news.
Reference:
Lynn Iliff Onstot, Public Information Officer
City of Joplin
417.624.0820, ext. 204
LOnstot@joplinmo.org
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