The long-awaited reopening of the Phelps County Route D bridge over Interstate 44 near Jerome was met with relief as traffic flow resumed this morning. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) announced that, despite stumbling upon unexpected deterioration which extended the rehabilitation timeline, the necessary repairs have been completed. According to MoDOT, the bridge is now accessible to all motorists as of yesterday.
MoDOT has indicated that additional asphalt work on the Route D bridge is planned for spring 2026. Specific dates and potential traffic impacts have not yet been announced, and motorists are advised to watch for future updates.
The Route D bridge rehabilitation is part of a broader multi-bridge initiative by MoDOT. The project also includes the completed Pulaski County Route 28 bridge over I-44, which is part of the department’s ongoing infrastructure improvement efforts in the region.
Several additional projects are planned, though timelines have not yet been finalized. In Phelps County, Route E in Rolla is expected to undergo sidewalk removal at a later date, with traffic detours in place during a northbound closure. Other planned rehabilitation projects include Phelps County Road 8490 and Route J, with start dates to be determined. In Rolla, Kingshighway is expected to experience lane narrowing, with efforts aimed at minimizing traffic disruption.
If additional deterioration similar to that found on Route D is identified, further adjustments to the project’s completion date—currently scheduled for September—may be required. The project was awarded a $3,948,366.99 contract by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission in April 2025 to Concrete Strategies, LLC, and reflects ongoing infrastructure maintenance and improvement efforts by MoDOT.
