Eastbound I-44 lanes closed for most of next week

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Traffic Alert for I-44 Commuters

St. Louis, Mo. – Drivers using I-44 to enter St. Louis City should be aware of a traffic alert that will affect their commute next week. The Missouri Department of Transportation is scheduled to perform routine paving work on the heavily-traveled interstate, which will result in the closure of two eastbound lanes.

The lane closures will take place between Kingshighway and 39th Street on eastbound I-44 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. each day from Monday, January 5, 2026, through Thursday, January 8, 2026. This means that drivers should plan accordingly and consider alternate routes or allow extra time for their commutes during this period.

Impact on Daily Commuters

For many residents, the closure could cause significant disruptions. Driver Jason Martin typically takes I-64 to work, but he has expressed concern about how the construction might affect his daily commute.

“If they have work going on on 44 during business hours, on 40/64 as well. You gotta get the work done, but even if they started at 9 and got done by 4:30 or 5, it would probably be better for commuters coming and going, especially with school on top of that,” Martin said.

Martin believes that the timing of the construction could create additional challenges for those traveling during peak hours. He hopes that the work can be completed as quickly as possible to minimize the impact on daily routines.

Effects on Local Businesses

The roadwork is also expected to affect local businesses that rely on traffic from the highway. O’Connell’s Pub, located on Kingshighway just off I-44, is one such establishment. Owner John Parker is worried about how the lane closures might impact his business.

“There’s a lot of choices you could make, so if there is a reason to not go to a place, you can go somewhere else pretty easily. If there is an inconvenience like road construction shutting down lanes on 44, it’s gonna impact us,” Parker said.

Parker believes that the lunch rush will be hit the hardest, but he is hoping that the dinner crowd will remain unaffected. “If they can get done as soon as possible and open those lanes up, but you control what you can control and what you can’t, you can’t get too upset about,” he added.

Tips for Drivers

With the upcoming lane closures, drivers who use this portion of the interstate are encouraged to look for alternate routes or plan their trips ahead of time. Extra travel time may be necessary, especially during the busiest hours of the day.

Local officials are reminding commuters to stay informed about any changes to the construction schedule and to follow all traffic signs and advisories. By planning ahead, drivers can help reduce the stress associated with unexpected delays and ensure a smoother commute.