Construction begins on Improve I-70 Kansas City project

MoDOT KC released an informational video explaining the project's timeline

Construction has begun on the Improve I-70 KC project, which will bring improvements along Interstate 70 between The Paseo Boulevard and U.S. Route 40/31st Street. Construction is planned in three phases with completion scheduled for spring 2028.

Planned improvements include:

Adding a fourth lane on eastbound I-70 from Prospect Avenue to the Manchester Avenue bridge.
Replacing 15 bridges and rehabilitating another seven bridges.
Improving pedestrian and bicycle connectivity throughout the project area.
Reconstructing I-70 from Chestnut Avenue to 18th Street.
Reconstructing eastbound I-70 from 27th Street to Cypress Avenue.
Making improvements to westbound I-70 near the Jackson Avenue bridge.

MoDOT's Kansas City District produced a YouTube video featuring MoDOT Project Director James Pflum detailing the project’s progress so far, what's included in each phase of the construction timeline and how the planned improvements will benefit the region.

Local artist memorializes Buck O'Neil on new bridge

The Buck O’Neil Project Team and Kansas City's Art in the Loop hired local artist Phil “Sike Style” Shafer to create a mural honoring the namesake of the recently completed Buck O'Neil Bridge. A new video details how the mural showcases the connections built through community, sports and transportation. An Artist Tour of the mural is also available.

Remote traffic signal timing assists incident response

MoDOT traffic specialists working with the Missouri State Highway Patrol can use remote traffic signal technology to adjust signal timing while the MSHP directs vehicles away from traffic incidents. In a new video, MoDOT Central District Engineer Machelle Watkins discusses the importance of keeping traffic flowing safely and efficiently during an incident.

MSHP reports decrease in Memorial Day incidents

The MSHP released statewide data from the 2025 Memorial Day reporting period, which ran from 6 p.m. on May 23 until 11:59 p.m. on May 26. During this period, there were 182 traffic crashes with 83 injuries and three fatalities. These numbers are decreased from the 2024 reporting period, which saw 275 traffic crashes with seven fatalities and 161 injuries.

Highway Safety Spotlight: HSO Grant Applications

Each year, the Highway Safety Office (HSO) staff meet to award statewide contracts for the next fiscal year. This year, 577 applications were received. The HSO awarded 462 contracts, totaling $26 million. Awarded requests include law enforcement training, support for external partners like Mothers Against Drunk Driving and safety campaign materials. Learn more.

www.modot.org

Missouri Dept. of Transportation | (888) 275-6636

P.O. Box 270 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0270