New traffic pattern on I-44 east of Mt. Vernon

Beginning this week traffic will remain one lane in each direction on I-44, but will shift to outside lanes between mile marker 46 and 47, while crews replace bridges over Lawrence County Road 1147 (Railroad Drive) and Williams Creek. The new pattern will remain until mid-December.
During major backups, I-44 traffic may be diverted using signed detour. Drivers are urged to consider alternate routes during the project. Eastbound on ramp from Missouri Route 39 to I-44 remains closed. The  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.