I-44 left out as Missouri raises certain interstate speed limits to 75 mph

Missouri is raising speed limits to 75 mph on hundreds of miles of interstate, but I-44 won't see a change.

MoDOT identified approximately 325 miles of interstate highways eligible for the higher speed limit under a new state law.

In southwest Missouri, 69 miles of I-49 will increase to 75 mph, divided into two sections.

The first runs 24 miles from the Arkansas state line to Exit 24 at U.S. Highway 60 in Neosho.

The second covers 45 miles, beginning at Exit 56 near Alba, north of Carthage, and continuing to just south of Exit 101 in Nevada.

That leaves a 32-mile stretch of I-49 between Neosho and the Carthage area at the existing speed limit, including the heavily traveled corridor through Joplin.

The higher limits will also apply to designated sections of I-29, I-35 and I-55 elsewhere in Missouri.

MoDOT has not specifically explained why I-44 was excluded, but officials considered traffic volumes, commercial truck traffic, crash history, terrain, roadway design, existing speeds and active construction.

I-44 is undergoing a major improvement effort through the state's Forward 44 program, which includes pavement rehabilitation, interchange reconstruction, and other upgrades across southwest Missouri. Construction is expected to continue through 2031.

However, MoDOT has not indicated whether that construction played a role in its decision to leave I-44 at 70 mph.

Interstate 70 was also excluded, although transportation officials previously announced its speed limit would remain unchanged during a major rebuilding project. The department plans to reevaluate I-70 after that work is completed.

MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger says the higher speeds were approved only after reviewing whether traffic could move more efficiently without compromising safety.

The new limits will take effect as crews replace highway signs this fall.

Drivers must continue following existing posted limits until those signs are installed.

MoDOT will continue monitoring crashes and could return affected highways to 70 mph if safety concerns emerge.