Rolla, MO – A vehicle crash has forced the closure of eastbound Interstate 44 near Phelps County Route D this afternoon, causing significant delays for drivers traveling through the central Missouri corridor.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Central Missouri District, the crash occurred at mile marker 173, just east of Doolittle and west of Rolla. Authorities reported that the roadway is expected to remain closed for approximately three hours while crews clear the scene and conduct safety assessments.
MoDOT officials are urging motorists to use alternate routes to avoid congestion and delays. Drivers heading eastbound on I-44 are advised to plan ahead, as traffic is being diverted from the crash site. The department’s online traveler information map is being updated with detour routes in real time at traveler.modot.org.
While no details have been released on injuries or the number of vehicles involved, emergency responders remain on-site, and recovery operations are ongoing. The closure impacts a key stretch of I-44, a major route linking Springfield to St. Louis, and delays are expected to ripple through surrounding local roads.
Motorists in the area are encouraged to exercise caution, allow extra travel time, and remain alert for changing traffic conditions. MoDOT also reminds drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles and road workers.
Traffic updates will continue to be posted on MoDOT’s official social media channels and website throughout the day.
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