Missouri DOT launches first project of Improve I-70 Program

The Missouri Department of Transportation recently broke ground on Project #1: Columbia to Kingdom City, the first project within Missouri’s Improve I-70 Program.

The state’s budget provides $2.8 billion to build a third lane in each direction on nearly 200 miles of I-70 from Blue Springs to Wentzville. During the $405 million Columbia to Kingdom City project, an additional lane will be built in each direction between U.S. Route 63 in Columbia and Route 54 in Kingdom City. Other work includes new concrete pavement on all three lanes in each direction.

The project also will use an additional $123 million to improve the I-70 interchanges at both Route 63 and Route 54.

Construction will begin in July and is expected to complete in late 2027.

“Today’s event in Columbia is just the first step to transform I-70 across the state,” W. Dustin Boatwright, Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission chairman, said. “While we celebrate today, we are actively working on the next bid package, and we look forward completion of the entire I-70 corridor by late 2030.”

A groundbreaking ceremony was held in Columbia on Thursday. It was attended by Gov. Mike Parson, members of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission and its Design-Build contractor team, and elected officials.

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