The safety and economic prosperity of Missourians depends, in part, on an I-70 that grows along with the state and nation. That’s why the Missouri Department of Transportation is working to improve I-70. Today, many portions of the facility are strained beyond capacity and outdated interchange designs which increase delays and dampen economic activity.
Missouri’s FY2024 budget from the General Assembly and supported by Governor Parson provides General Revenue for the costs to plan, design, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate and repair three lanes in each direction on nearly 200 miles of Interstate 70, from Blue Springs to Wentzville.
For Improve I-70 project specific information, visit the Improve I-70 Projects page.
-
Governor Parson Breaks Ground on Historic Improve I-70 Project in Columbia
COLUMBIA – Today, Governor Mike Parson kicked off the first project within Missouri's Improve I-70 Program with an official groundbreaking ceremony in Columbia. Governor Parson joined federal, state, and local elected officials along with members of...
Next steps:
MoDOT has designated an overall project team to guide the I-70 work across the state. This website will continue to serve as the information source for updates and public input as the plan for design and construction is developed.
Environmental Documents Updated: approximately 1 year
- Environmental documents are being e re-evaluated to identify any changes in the road and its conditions, traffic and environmental impacts since the studies were last completed in the mid 2000s. Some sections of I-70 are already completed, but others are still in progress. This process should be completed for all sections in 2024.
Project Development: approximately 1 year
- Project Development involves the design process and determines how the work should be broken into segments. MoDOT has worked with the private sector on plans to sequence project delivery based on traffic impacts and industry capacity to get the best value.
Construction: approximately 4-5 years
- It’s expected it will take 4-5 years to complete all the construction contracts dependent upon contractor and material availability.
The infographic below summarizes what’s already under contract or completed, what’s funded in the state’s road and bridge program (the STIP) and in General Revenue.
Download the PDF Version
Program Goals
The overall goal of the Improve I-70 project across Missouri is “to provide a safe, efficient, environmentally sound and cost-effective transportation facility that responds to corridor needs as well as expectations of a national interstate.”
Specifically, the focus is on the following:
- Provide a third lane of travel to eastbound and westbound I-70 from Blue Springs to Wentzville.
- Improve the interstate while modernizing the existing pavement and bridges.
- Increase the efficiency of freight movements along I-70.
- Minimize construction impacts with a focus on work zone safety, communication, and construction staging.
- Expand a diverse workforce through the creation of jobs.
In addition, the updated analysis of I-70 will include:
- Transportation Innovation – Upgrade the design to include technology for connectivity, intelligent transportation systems and other emerging transportation innovations.
Governor Parson and the General Assembly have provided a once in a lifetime investment into this critical transportation corridor. These 200 miles of I-70 are some of the first interstate to be built in the country 60 years ago. This is a monumental challenge to deliver, but MoDOT is the transportation expert. Along with our private sector partners in engineering and construction, we will deliver.