Franklin County, MO – Drivers traveling eastbound on Interstate 44 near St. Clair should plan ahead this week as the St. Clair rest area is temporarily closed for restriping and construction work, impacting motorists who rely on the stop for rest and restroom access.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), the eastbound I-44 St. Clair rest area in Franklin County is closed through Friday, January 23, weather permitting. Crews have begun demolition of the existing eastbound restroom building to make way for a new bathroom facility.
MoDOT said the rest area itself will remain open during construction, except from Tuesday, January 13, through Friday, January 23, while the restroom building is unavailable. Temporary restrooms will be provided during the closure period to accommodate travelers.
During construction, traffic flow within the rest area will change. Vehicles will be directed to the opposite side of the parking lot, away from the construction zone. In addition, the direction of angled parking spaces will be altered to improve safety for both drivers and construction crews.
MoDOT officials noted that additional short-term closures may occur in the future as work progresses. Motorists traveling through Franklin County and the greater St. Louis metro area are encouraged to remain alert for signage and plan restroom stops accordingly, especially during peak travel hours.
The project is part of ongoing efforts to improve facilities and safety at Missouri interstate rest areas.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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