Traveling to MU football's season opener? MoDOT warns of potential traffic problems

The University of Missouri's first home football game Thursday night and Interstate 70 construction as part of the Improve I-70 project , could lead to delays for motorists traveling to the game, the Missouri Department of Transportation warns.

MoDOT is reminding westbound motorists and MU Football fans on I-70 that "barrier walls, narrower lanes, reduced speeds and extra game day traffic could cause delays between Callaway County Routes J and M.

Construction is underway on I-70 between these Callaway County routes, roughly mile marker 137 for Route J and mile marker 144 for Route M.

The matchup between MU and the Murray State Racers is set to start at 7 p.m. Two lanes of traffic on westbound I-70 will remain open until 7 p.m. when contractors will close one lane of westbound traffic. Both lanes of eastbound I-70 will remain open throughout. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, leave early and to allow for extra time throughout the work zone. All work is weather permitting and may be delayed.

MU Football also encourages fans to either download the Mizzou Tigers mobile application or follow @MizzouGameday on X, formerly Twitter, where live gameday updates are posted, including information on road closures, traffic delays, gate opening reminders and more.

Previously: Plans for I-70 widening relatively final. Here's when construction is expected to start

Contractors are working on the first stretch of adding a third lane in each direction of travel on the 20-mile stretch of I-70 between Kingdom City and Columbia. Work started in July and is expected to last through late 2027. The highway expansion eventually will go from Blue Springs to Wentzville and includes various interchange improvements , including at the I-70 and U.S. Highway 63 connector.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Traveling to MU football's season opener? MoDOT warns of potential traffic problems