I-44 lanes reopen near Waynesville; Exit 159 ramp closes through September

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

WAYNESVILLE, Mo., (KBSI) — Both eastbound lanes of Interstate 44 near Waynesville reopened early Thursday, but drivers will face additional ramp and lane closures as construction continues.

The Missouri Department of Transportation said the contractor is ahead of schedule and restored both eastbound lanes early Aug. 6.

The eastbound I-44 off-ramp to Business Loop 44 at Exit 159 is now closed and is expected to remain closed through the end of September.

Intermittent closures of the entrance ramp from Business Loop 44 to eastbound I-44 will also continue.

A second, continuous 21-day lane closure on eastbound I-44 is expected to begin shortly after Labor Day.

MoDOT said the restrictions are necessary because of work near ramp access points, pavement height differences and grade corrections.

Drivers should watch for changing traffic patterns and use caution around road crews. The widening project is expected to be completed this fall.