WB I-44 lanes near Exit 6 reopen, Bridge work paused

JOPLIN, Mo. — Drivers in Joplin have some relief as both westbound lanes of Interstate 44 near Exit 6 are now open.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) said the bridge rehabilitation project at Missouri Route 43/86 (Hearnes Boulevard/Main Street) has been put on hold until Spring 2025.

MODOT said traffic will change in the following ways:

• Both westbound lanes of I-44 are open over Route 43/86 at Exit 6.
• The median crossovers are closed until the bridge rehab project resumes.
• The eastbound and westbound Route 43/86-to-I-44 on-ramps remain closed.
• Both I-44 off-ramps at Exit 6 are open.
• The speed limit in the area is still reduced to sixty miles per hour.

MoDOT urges safety while traveling through the work zone. More updates can be found on MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map.