Lanes on I-44 now closed due to bridge demolition

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- All lanes on I-44 from West Bypass to Kansas Expressway closed at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 11.

The closure is due to the demolition of the 65-year-old Melville Road Bridge that will be replaced with a newer, improved one.

Debris cleanup will be happening until at least 9 p.m. Saturday, July 12, but no later than 6 a.m. Monday, July 14.

Traffic will be detoured through alternate routes like Highway 65 and James River. Traffic within the city can use West Bypass, Kearney and Kansas Expressway.

Ozarks First spoke to some drivers, who describe the issues they may experience due to the closures.

"We're going to have to go up to Kearney and come around now," says John Bingham, who travels on I-44 multiple times a day.

"It would affect my family, you know, because we visit each other a lot, you know, parties, birthdays and holidays," says Zach Edwards. "Especially with a birthday party coming up this week, I think it's going to be pretty difficult for us to get over there to where we need to be."

Edwards says although a detour has been posted, he is planning on finding another route.

"If everyone else is going to go that way, the detours are going to be filled, backed up too."

Paul Tinlin, who owns Morning Glory Farmhouse near Melville Road bridge, says he doesn't believe the project will have much effect on his business, and adds the closures were unavoidable in order to improve the bridge.

"The bridge and the widening on 44 I think is necessary," says Tinlin. "So by the time it's over, I think everybody will be happy. Temporary pain, long term gain."