As the weekends fill with the roar of fans and the pulsing anticipation of football triumphs, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has issued a traffic playbook for those navigating the construction-enhanced byways. For those donning their team's colors and planning to converge upon stadiums via I-70, MoDOT suggests marking your travel route with as much care as a quarterback plots his passes. According to MoDOT's recent announcement, a project is underway to widen the I-70, adding a third lane in each direction, which is expected to impact the traffic flow on game days.
This weekend's matchups featuring both Mizzou Football and the Kansas City Chiefs are bound to draw crowds, and fans traveling eastbound on I-70 will be relieved to hear that "there are no planned lane closures anticipated for eastbound I-70 motorists either before or after the Mizzou Football game," according to information obtained by MoDOT. However, given that the game days often align with peak travel times, delays are expected to linger, and additional time should be budgeted for the journeys for either side of the games.
For those who bleed Chiefs red and gold, similar conditions apply for the Sunday spectacle. The existing work zone configurations remain, but no additional closures will hamper the pilgrimage to or from the gridiron clash. Still, MoDOT warns of the likelihood of game-induced traffic slowing progress, advising motorists: "prepare to leave early and allow for extra time when traveling along I-70."
To ease the passage through this rite of autumnal sports and construction, MoDOT offers several preparation tips. Fans can sign up for project updates via email, and the MoDOT Traveler Information Map is available for real-time zone information. Of critical import is the need for a well-cushioned travel timeline, accommodating the constricted lanes and the dance of brake lights that typifies a work zone dash. Attention and adherence to posted speed limits in these zones are non-negotiable - patience is not just a virtue; it's a road safety requirement.
It's worth noting that this construction enthusiasm is fueled by the state's financial commitment - a sturdy $2.8 billion from Missouri’s FY2024 budget, signed into law by the governor, as reported by MoDOT.
