Missouri is asking truckers to not exit Interstate 44 in Joplin, except for exit 4’s fueling plazas, but state officials are expediting trucking permits and waiving fees following the city’s deadly tornado.

The Missouri Department of Transportation issued an update Tuesday, May 24, after the May 22 tornado that resulted in 117 fatalities in Joplin. Fuel is not available at I-44 exit 11 and other truck services are unavailable in the Joplin area.

MDOT said certain trucking permits will be issued free and requests will receive priority service around the clock. Carriers entering the area with heavier, wider or longer than normally allowed must request an oversize/overweight permit. Out-of-state carriers that do not hold authority to operate in Missouri can request registration and fuel permits.

Affected truckers should call (800) 877-8499 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Truckers needing emergency permits may call (573) 291-4853 or (573) 291-4517 after these hours.

The expedited service and fee waiver ends at noon May 30. 

Many Joplin roads are impassable because of debris, MDOT stated. Emergency response vehicles need reduced traffic on area roads to clear and offer assistance.