If you're planning to traverse Interstate 70 in Kingdom City this coming weekend, be prepared for a bit of a slowdown. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has announced a temporary single-lane closure that could add some time to your journey. Specifically, construction crews will be working diligently around the clock to remove the railroad bridge west of U.S. Route 54.

This infrastructure ballet is set to begin at precisely 7 p.m. on Friday, not concluding until 6 a.m. on Sunday, March 30. During this period, one lane will be unavailable for both east and westbound travelers, between mile markers 147.4 and 148. As is always the case with such undertakings, the work is at the mercy of the elements and plans could to swiftly change. According to MoDOT, motorists are advised to gear up for disrupted traffic flow and construction activities stretching all the way to 2027 under the ambit of the Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City initiative.

The larger endeavor aims to ease the journey along this busy stretch by adding an additional lane of travel in each direction between U.S. Route 63 in Columbia and Route 54 in Kingdom City. This ambitious project is part of a $405 million fixed-cost contract, which includes not only the expansion but also new pavements and interchange improvements—a massive overhaul slated for completion by the end of 2027.

This is, however, just the beginning of a larger vision for I-70. The state's FY2024 budget, boasting a generous allocation of $2.8 billion in General Revenue, envisions a third lane unfurling across nearly 200 miles of the interstate, from Blue Springs to Wentzville. The scope of the work will to not only cover new construction but also involve reconstruction, rehabilitation, and other enhancements. Safety remains a key note in MoDOT's symphony of roadworks, with the department reminding drivers to "Buckle Up. Phone Down." when navigating through work zones.