MoDOT Unleashes Statewide Roadwork on I-44, I-55, I-70 This April | The Locally Times
From Springfield to Pemiscot County, MoDOT's aggressive April schedule means full closures and lane reductions on I-44, I-55, and I-70, forcing drivers to reroute or face significant delays.
Missouri drivers, brace yourselves: a massive wave of roadwork is set to sweep across the state this April, bringing extensive closures and lane reductions to Interstates 44, 55, and 70. Starting as early as April 1, 2026, this new push from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) significantly expands infrastructure projects beyond earlier reports of I-70 closures in Jackson County. It's a broader statewide initiative to tackle critical maintenance needs, impacting routes in Springfield, Franklin, Warren, and Pemiscot counties. Motorists must now plan for widespread delays and consider alternate routes. ## April Brings Widespread Interstate Disruptions MoDOT has confirmed a series of critical projects impacting major interstates across Missouri throughout April. From full closures beneath I-44 in Springfield to overnight lane reductions on I-70 in Warren County and single-lane traffic on I-55 in Pemiscot County, drivers face a complex web of construction zones. These efforts, some kicking off as early as April 1, are part of a concerted push to address key infrastructure maintenance statewide. ## Your April Roadwork Cheat Sheet: Key Closures & Timelines Here's a breakdown of the critical closures and lane reductions Missouri drivers need to know for April: * **Springfield (I-44):** National Avenue and Broadway Avenue will close beneath I-44 starting Monday, April 6, for repairs. MoDOT has not specified an end date, indicating work will continue until completion. * **Franklin County (I-44):** Overnight closures on westbound I-44 at Route D are set to begin the night of April 6. These are specifically for bridge girder repairs. * **Warren County (I-70):** Both eastbound and westbound I-70 will be reduced to one lane between mile markers 190.9 and 198.6. This guard cable repair work will occur nightly from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., running from April 6 through April 10. * **Pemiscot County (I-55):** Pavement repairs will reduce northbound and southbound I-55 to one lane near Steele (mile markers 8.4 to 11.2 northbound and 9.5 to 8.8 southbound). This work begins April 1 and includes a 12-foot width restriction for all vehicles. * **Johnson County (MO-23):** Beyond the interstates, lane closures on Missouri Highway 23 north of U.S. Highway 50 are scheduled to begin April 13 and extend through September 2026 for permit work, including the addition of turn lanes. ## Beyond April: Long-Term Impact and What Drivers Need to Know These newly announced projects mark a significant escalation of MoDOT's spring roadwork. Following earlier Locally Times reports detailing overnight I-70 closures near Jackson Curve in Jackson County from March 30 to April 3, the current wave of announcements reveals a much wider geographic and multi-interstate assault on infrastructure needs. This concerted push for maintenance and upgrades will undoubtedly reshape daily commutes for thousands. Drivers navigating I-44 in Springfield and Franklin County, I-70 in Warren County, and I-55 in Pemiscot County should brace for substantial delays and proactively map out alternate routes. The long-term lane closures on Missouri Highway 23 in Johnson County, stretching through September 2026, highlight that these disruptions are not fleeting. While essential for safety and infrastructure longevity, these repairs demand significant adjustments to daily travel plans and will likely add considerable time to journeys. MoDOT records do not specify the total budget allocated for these combined April roadwork projects. ## Quick Answers for Your Commute **Which major interstates will be affected by closures in April?** MoDOT has scheduled closures and lane reductions on Interstates 44, 55, and 70. **What areas of the state will experience these roadwork impacts?** Affected areas include Springfield, Franklin County, Warren County, Pemiscot County, and Johnson County. **How long will the I-70 lane reductions in Warren County last?** Eastbound and westbound I-70 in Warren County will have nighttime lane reductions from April 6 to April 10 for guard cable repair work.