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MoDOT hosted a groundbreaking event on Sept. 9 to kick off the third project in the Improve I-70 Program.
The Improve I-70: Blue Springs to Odessa ceremony took place in Grain Valley and speakers included Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission Chairman Warren Erdman, MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger, Improve I-70 West Project Director Karlee Covington, Shalonn "Kiki" Curls with Heavy Constructors Association and Rachel Radmacher of Radmacher Brothers Excavating.
Improve I-70: Blue Springs to Odessa is part of a series of projects that will add a third lane in each direction and improve I-70 across the state between Blue Springs and Wentzville. Construction on this project began in September 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in late 2028. This project was awarded to the Design-Build contractor team the Radmacher-Ideker Joint Venture (Radmacher Brothers Excavating, Ideker, Inc., and Wilson & Company).
Improvements include:
- A third lane of I-70 in both directions beginning just west of MO Route 7 in Blue Springs to approximately MO Route H (mile marker 45.3), nearly seven miles past the project requirements.
- Replacement of the existing I-70 lanes with all new full-depth concrete pavement.
- Improved I-70 interchanges at MO Route D in Bates City and at MO Route 131 in Odessa.
- 14 bridge replacements.
The team has also committed to keeping two lanes of traffic open in each direction during peak travel times.
To sign up for project e-mails about construction details and other updates, visit the Improve I-70: Blue Springs to Odessa project page. Motorists should be aware that two other projects, Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City and Improve I-70: Warrenton to Wentzville, are also currently under construction along this corridor. Cross-state I-70 travelers and football fans should plan ahead, allow for extra time and obey all traffic laws, especially in work zones.
You can find photos of the groundbreaking event on MoDOT's Flickr page and video coverage on YouTube.
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