Show-Me State Times

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has announced that the overnight closure of one lane on eastbound Interstate 70, between Boone County Route B (Paris Road) and U.S. Route 63, will commence tonight, January 28. This closure was previously delayed due to cold weather conditions.

Construction crews are preparing for the reconfiguration and realignment of I-70 as part of the Improve I-70 program. The lane closures will occur nightly from Monday through Saturday, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., continuing until February 15. The work schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions and may extend beyond the anticipated timeframe.

Motorists should expect various lane closures and ongoing construction activities through 2027 as part of the Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City project. Drivers are advised to exercise caution in work zones by slowing down and staying attentive, following MoDOT's safety reminder: "Buckle Up. Phone Down."

The Statewide Improve I-70 Program aims to add a third travel lane in each direction along a 20-mile section of I-70 between U.S. Route 63 (Columbia) and Route 54 (Kingdom City). This initiative involves a $405 million fixed-cost contract that includes new pavement for all three lanes and improvements at interchanges with Route 63 and Route 54. Completion is expected by late 2027.

Missouri's FY2024 budget, approved by Governor Mike Parson, allocates $2.8 billion in General Revenue for constructing a third lane across nearly 200 miles of I-70 from Blue Springs to Wentzville. More information about the Improve I-70 Program can be found at http://www.modot.org/improvei70.

For further details, contact MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit their website at www.modot.org. To receive updates via text alerts or e-mails, sign up for e-updates.