Heads up, commuters: significant traffic changes are coming your way on Interstate 70 in Columbia. Starting from July 8, eastbound I-70 traffic between Boone County Route B (Paris Road) and U.S. Route 63 will experience a shift onto new lanes, as reported by MoDOT. Drivers are urged to slow down, be extra alert, and follow the posted signage to navigate the new traffic pattern safely.
MoDOT has been busy constructing new lanes in the median that now will carry the traffic of the existing eastbound lanes to be reconstructed, with work beginning next Tuesday night. A reduced speed limit of 55 mph will accompany the two open eastbound lanes. Completed by construction crews, the traffic shift signals the next phase in the ongoing project to fortify the stretch of I-70 for future demands.
The adjustments don't stop there. In tandem with the traffic shift, access from the eastbound I-70 ramp to U.S. Route 63 will be blocked temporarily from the night of July 8 to the morning of July 12. Travelers needing to connect to U.S. Route 63 will be instructed to take alternative routes, like Missouri Route 740 (Stadium Boulevard) for westbound Columbia traffic or exit at Missouri Route 763 (Range Line Street) for others.
This activity is but a singularity in the grand plan that has been launched by MoDOT's Statewide Improve I-70 Program. Aiming to construct an additional lane for the 20-mile stretch between Columbia and Kingdom City, this first project alone carries a price tag of $405 million. Improvements, along with new pavement for all three lanes, will not be limited to the surface but will extend to interchange enhancements at U.S. Route 63 and U.S. Route 54. It's a promise of smoother travel and forward momentum, with funds secured in Missouri's FY2024 budget, accounting for $2.8 billion in General Revenue dedicated to expanding a third lane across nearly 200 miles of I-70. The investment captures a vision for a more connected Missouri, spoken through the language of concrete and steel.
While MoDOT ensures that all work is subject to weather conditions and could face changes, they remind motorists of the collective responsibility in these zones: buckle up, put your phone down, and respect the work zone speeds and signs for the safety of all. With these changes, drivers are advised to stay informed and flexible as the Statewide Improve I-70 Program moves forward. For more information on the traffic shifts and alternate routes, visit MoDOT's official website.
