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

Interstate 44 has too many crashes, too much truck traffic, and too many curves to safely accommodate a 75 mph speed limit.

Missouri Department of Transportation Director Ed Hassinger explained why the entire I-44 corridor was excluded from the state's newly announced speed limit increases.

In an interview with Newstalk KZRG, Hassinger said I-44 carries the second-highest traffic volume of any interstate in Missouri, trailing only I-70.

"Its truck volumes are really high, and its current crash history is well above the current statewide average for rural interstates," Hassinger said.

He also pointed to the highway's terrain, particularly the hills and curves outside the Springfield area.

"So really, on all the criteria, 44 doesn't really even tick the box on any of them," Hassinger said.

MoDOT evaluated traffic volumes, truck percentages, existing speeds, crash history, terrain and roadway design before selecting which highways could accommodate higher speeds.

The department approved increases on portions OF I-49, I-29, I-35, and I-55.

I-49 will increase to 75 mph along two stretches: a 24-mile section from the Arkansas state line to Exit 24 at Neosho, and a 45-mile section from Exit 56 north of Carthage to just south of Exit 101 in Nevada.

However, the stretch of I-49 through Neosho, Joplin and Carthage will remain at 70 mph.

Hassinger said the decision reflects the amount of traffic moving between I-49 and I-44 throughout the Joplin metropolitan area.

"There's a lot of mixing of traffic there that causes, you know, some challenges," Hassinger said.

He said traffic volumes decrease and the highway becomes straighter and flatter farther north, making higher speeds more appropriate.

Despite Wednesday's announcement, drivers cannot legally begin traveling 75 mph on the affected highways until new speed limit signs are installed.

Hassinger said MoDOT has ordered the signs and hopes to complete installation by the end of 2026.

"The sign that's out there is the speed limit of that day," Hassinger said.

He also cautioned drivers against treating the new limit as permission to travel 80 or 85 mph, warning that higher speeds dramatically reduce reaction time and increase the severity of crashes.

MoDOT will continue monitoring crash data and could lower speed limits again if safety conditions worsen.

Meanwhile, Hassinger said improvements to I-44 will continue under Missouri's Forward 44 initiative, including major reconstruction of the I-44 and I-49 interchange near Fidelity.

He said MoDOT anticipates holding a groundbreaking ceremony later this fall as heavier construction begins closer to Joplin.

Hassinger said the existing cloverleaf interchange can no longer adequately handle modern traffic volumes, particularly the increase in commercial trucks.

The new interchange design is intended to improve traffic flow and make movements between the two interstates safer and more efficient.