Motorists planning to traverse Interstate 70 in Kingdom City this weekend should anticipate delays due to construction activities. MoDOT has announced that starting at 7 p.m. tonight, through 6 a.m. Sunday, April 27, one lane of I-70 will be closed in both eastbound and westbound directions under the railroad bridge, located between mile markers 147.4 and 148. The closure is part of the ongoing efforts to dismantle the railroad bridge, a move forward in the larger project to improve the I-70 corridor between Columbia and Kingdom City.
Despite the inconvenience it may cause, this short-term closure plays a crucial role in the Statewide Improve I-70 Program, which endeavors to add a third lane to the critical stretch of highway that connects communities and fuels commerce. Crews, working tirelessly around-the-clock throughout the weekend, aim to expedite the work under the promise of good weather conditions. All scheduled work, however, remains subject to change as it is weather-permitting.
The Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City project, as outlined by MoDOT, is a massive $405 million investment aimed at expanding and revamping a 20-mile section of I-70. The project includes a series of enhancements, from adding a third lane of travel in each direction to implementing interchange improvements at the critical junctures of Route 63 and Route 54. This initiative represents the opening gambit in a larger, more ambitious plan to overhaul nearly 200 miles of I-70 stretching from Blue Springs to Wentzville.
The Missouri FY2024 budget, approved through state legislative procedures, allots a robust $2.8 billion from General Revenue for the development of a third lane across the state on I-70. Motorists traveling on this major artery in the future can expect a smoother journey thanks to the improvements planned to design, construct, and rehabilitate the roadway. With construction slated for completion in late 2027, long-term benefits of increased safety and enhanced traffic flow are on the horizon for Missouri’s road users.
