Several major bridge projects are in the planning phases for Jasper, Newton and Lawrence Counties.
Officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation say the “I-44 Project Rebuild” proposes 31 bridges on the I-44 corridor, to be either completely replaced or fixed-up. Six of those bridges must be replaced due to major deterioration. Route 249, Route 66, Route U, and several county roads that cross over I-44, from Rangeline Road in Joplin to Mt. Vernon, are on the list.
The department has not decided on a design and build team, but is down to four finalists. The contractor must stay within a $36 million dollar budget and complete the project by December of 2021. Officials say they hope construction could begin as soon as this spring or summer.
