Capital-CMT Chosen for $471M Missouri I-44 Freight Corridor Upgrade | Columbus Ohio Dump Trucks

Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission Chairman Warren Erdman said the selection is a “major step forward” for MoDOT. "This effort continues to look at innovative opportunities to deliver major projects with the greatest value to serve the citizens of Missouri for many years to come," he added in a statement.

The winning team includes contractor Capital Paving & Construction LLC and designer Crawford, Murphy & Tilly Inc. The commission selected the proposal from a field of four competing teams that also included Ames Millstone Weber Joint Venture, ESS Team and MasTec DB Team.

Interstate 44 links Joplin, Springfield, Rolla and St. Louis.

MoDOT describes the highway as a key commercial corridor that connects with Interstate 40 and carries a mix of commuter, recreational and freight traffic. Trucks account for more than 30% of traffic on portions of the corridor, according to agency procurement documents.

Contract negotiations are underway, according to state documents, with construction expected to begin later this year and completion scheduled by Nov. 15, 2031.

Scope includes reconstruction of the I-44/I-49 interchange near Fidelity and the I-44/Missouri 13 interchange in Springfield, widening portions of I-44 to six lanes in the Springfield area, pavement and safety improvements in Greene, Webster and Laclede counties, bridge improvements on Route EE in Springfield and pavement columbus oh dump truck work in Lawrence County.

The project is part of MoDOT's broader Forward 44 initiative to address capacity, safety and infrastructure needs along the interstate corridor.

State lawmakers appropriated $20 million in fiscal 2024 for an environmental study of I-44 and later approved more than $577 million in fiscal 2025 funding for corridor improvements. The Southwest I-44 Improvements Project includes $328 million in state general revenue funding and $143 million from the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.

"We are honored by MoDOT's trust in the Capital-CMT team and excited for the opportunity to help deliver this transformational investment along the I-44 corridor," Capital Chief Operating Officer Kevin Peart said. "We look forward to … a safer, more resilient corridor that strengthens connectivity and serves the region for decades to come."

Traffic volumes along the corridor currently range from roughly 47,000 vehicles per day in Newton County to nearly 55,000 vehicles per day in Greene County, according to MoDOT. The department projects significant growth by 2050, citing the need to modernize infrastructure built “decades ago” to accommodate future demand.

The project will use a design-build delivery method. MoDOT said the approach allows columbus oh dump truck work to proceed concurrently, reducing project duration and improving efficiency.

MoDOT did not immediately respond to a request for additional comment.