Drivers planning to traverse eastward along Interstate 70 through Callaway County will soon need to recalibrate their routes. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has announced an impending closure starting in early May, affecting the exit and entrance ramps to and from Exit 137, catering to Route J/Millersburg, for several months. Commuters will be prompted to seek alternative pathways as construction ensues.
This closure comes as a part of the expansive Improve I-70 program. Workers have already laid down new tracks, paving two new lanes between Route J (mile marker 137) and Route M/Hatton (mile marker 144). With intentions to rehabilitate the weary eastbound lanes, the situation necessitates redirecting the eastbound flow onto these fresh lanes—separated by a temporary concrete wall from the opposing traffic. MoDOT stresses the importance of vigilance and cooperation from motorists; suggesting the belt be buckled, the phone placed down, and a keen eye kept on traffic signs—especially in construction zones. "MoDOT asks all motorists to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones," their statement dictates.
Traffic heading east will be detoured at Exit 133, with additional directions to take the north Outer Road 70 either to Route J or to proceed towards Exit 144, depending on the destination. It's important to note that Outer Road 70 does not run continuously south of I-70 and therefore does not link directly to Route J. Travelers are advised to plan ahead to minimize inconvenience.
The ongoing work is a segment of MoDOT's Statewide Improve I-70 Program, targeting the enhancement of the vital 20-mile stretch connecting Columbia and Kingdom City. This $405 million fixed-cost contract is dedicated to upgrading the I-70 interchanges and adding a lane each way for better traffic flow. Changes also include revitalizing the pavement across all three lanes and revamping interchanges at U.S. Route 63 and U.S. Route 54. However, every piece of this carefully choreographed construction dance remains at the mercy of the weather and, as such, is subject to change.
