The City of St. Robert would like to make residents aware that blasting operations associated with the Interstate 44 widening project are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, June 23, between Exit 159 and Mile Marker 157.2 in the Waynesville-St. Robert area.

The project will add climbing lanes along this section of interstate and extend the westbound I-44 on-ramp at Exit 159 to improve safety and drivability. As part of the construction process, rock blasting is required to remove rock formations along the roadway.

Blasting operations are expected to occur daily through July 13 and are planned to take place at approximately 9:00 a.m. each day. For public safety, the blasting will coincide with rolling roadblocks and temporary ramp closures coordinated by local law enforcement and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Due to the expected debris field created by the blasts, there will be no safe public viewing areas. Residents are encouraged to avoid the area during blasting operations whenever possible.

Motorists should expect temporary traffic impacts in the vicinity of the project and are encouraged to allow additional travel time during the morning hours.

MoDOT has also announced that the contractor expects to reopen the newly extended westbound Business Loop 44 on-ramp to I-44 by the end of the month.

For additional information about the project, please visit the MoDOT project page.