New traffic pattern coming to I-44 east of Mount Vernon

(From MODOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT

New Traffic Pattern Coming to I-44 East of Mt. Vernon Beginning Week of Oct. 21

What: Traffic will remain one lane in each direction, but will shift to outside lanes while crews replace bridges over Lawrence County Road 1147 (Railroad Drive) and Williams Creek

When: Beginning week of October 21 and remaining in this pattern until mid-December

Traffic Impacts:

-Traffic reduced to one lane in each direction and moved to outside lanes of I-44 between Mile Markers 46 and 47

-Speed limit reduced to 60 mph through work zone

-Eastbound on ramp from Missouri Route 39 to I-44 remains CLOSED

-During major backups, I-44 traffic may be diverted using signed detour

-Drivers are urged to consider alternate routes during the project

Weather and/or unforeseen delays will alter the work schedule.

Project Background:

I-44 Project Bridge Rebuild will replace or rehabilitate 19 bridges on I-44 between Sarcoxie and Halltown.

Some existing bridges are original to the construction of I-44 in the 1960s and are deteriorating and need replacement or rehabilitation.