All lanes of Interstate 44 are open again between Rolla and St James. The earlier accident scene is clear.
Earlier coverage:
ROLLA, Mo. -- A crash today on Interstate 44 between Rolla and St James has closed the interstate in both directions.
The Missouri Department of Transportation reports a vehicle struck pole with power lines. Emergency responders and the utility company are working to secure the power lines. Both directions of the interstate and the outer roads closed at approximately 12:45 p.m. MoDOT anticipates the full closure could last until 8 o'clock tonight or longer.
Westbound I-44 traffic is detoured off the highway at St. James, mile marker 196. The official detour is Route 68 north to Route P west and then south on Route 63 to Rolla and back onto westbound I-44. The eastbound I-44 traffic is detoured off the highway at Rolla, mile marker 186. They are detoured north on Route 63 to east on Route P and then south on Route 68 to St. James and back onto eastbound I-44.
There have been 10 miles of traffic backed up in each direction of I-44 as motorists approach these closure points. Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and consider alternate routes.
Current conditions are available on MoDOT's Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/ .