Motorists traveling on Interstate 70 should brace for upcoming changes to traffic patterns, as construction advances on a major improvement project. The latest phase of development will see eastbound lanes moving onto new pavement and westbound lanes transitioning to a temporary space in the median. These updates stem from the Missouri Department of Transportation's first project in its Statewide Improve I-70 Program.
According to MoDOT, the eastbound traffic shift is set to occur next Friday, allowing vehicles back onto the newly paved eastbound lanes near Exit 137. This reestablishes the eastbound access to and from the exit, restoring a semblance of normalcy for drivers accustomed to their regular routes. In late August, attention turns westbound as crews begin reconstructing the existing westbound lanes. As a result, traffic will be rerouted to median lanes, flanked by a concrete barrier for separation.
With the shift programmed for the evening of August 22, westbound I-70 will see lane narrowing to 10 feet, and speed limits reduced to 55 mph. During the initial four miles, lane changes are possible, although the final three miles (from mile markers 137-140) present a different tale with no lane change options. This configuration is not a fleeting inconvenience, it's expected to remain for several months, compelling motorists to alter their commuting strategies.
To skirt around the no-access zone at Exit 137, drivers heading westbound can use Exit 144, taking the north Outer Road 70 to Route J, and from there, continue to Exit 133 to rejoin I-70. This alternate route becomes necessary as Outer Road 70 doesn't offer a continuous connection south of I-70 to Route J. As the terrain of Missouri morphs to accommodate growth and safety, the price of progress is temporarily etched in the detours and delays faced by its travellers.
The broader ambition of the Improve I-70 Program is audacious, with an infusion of $2.8 billion from the Missouri FY2024 budget to add a third lane on nearly 200 miles of the interstate, running from Blue Springs to Wentzville. This grand blueprint promises new pavement spanning three lanes, interchange enhancements, and a continuous expansion that strives to keep pace with the ever-evolving demands of Missouri's transport arteries.
While these transformations take shape, MoDOT implores the public to practice patience and prioritize safety. They urge drivers to "buckle up, put your phone down, obey all traffic signs, and slow down and move over in work zones." These changes, while disruptive now, are forming the foundation of a more robust infrastructure capable of shouldering Missouri's future.
