Governor and state officials break ground on I-70 project

Groundbreaking in Columbia signified start of first project in Improve I-70 Program

MoDOT hosted a groundbreaking event in Columbia on June 13 celebrating the first project within its Improve I-70 Program.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson joined federal, state and local elected officials along with past and present members of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission and its Design-Build contractor team to break ground on Improve I-70 Project #1: Columbia to Kingdom City.

The first project is a $405 million fixed-cost contract that will add an additional lane to Interstate 70 in each direction between U.S. Route 63 in Columbia and Route 54 in Kingdom City. The project also incorporates $123 million worth of previously programmed MoDOT projects to improve the I-70 interchanges at both Route 63 and Route 54.

The planned improvements from the Design-Build contractor Millstone Weber and their designer Jacobs Inc. also include new concrete pavement on all three lanes of I-70 in each direction of the project. Construction of this project is expected to begin in early July with an anticipated completion in late 2027.

See more photos from the groundbreaking event here, and learn more about the Improve I-70 Program here.

MoDOT uses innovative temporary roundabout

MoDOT maintenance crews recently used the state’s first known temporary roundabout work zone in Maryville. The roundabout was formed by a circle of cones and yield signs, with the center of the circle acting as a safe zone to complete work. This innovation allowed the work to be completed in one day instead of several. Learn more.

Get home safe and sober this Fourth of July holiday

With the Fourth of July holiday next week, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety wants to remind everyone that if your plans include travel and alcohol, please coordinate a sober driver or rideshare service to take you home. Law enforcement will be out during the holiday weekend cracking down on impaired drivers. Don’t let anyone drive impaired.

Highway Safety Spotlight: Show-Me Zero Conference

Registration is open for the 2024 Missouri Highway Safety and Traffic Conference. The conference features keynote speakers, like Jessica Cicchino from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety who will discuss how vehicle manufacturers are raising the bar on vehicle safety. There will also be presentations and workshops on a variety of highway safety and traffic topics.

Looking Forward to Interstate 44 public meetings

During summer 2024, MoDOT and its consultants will host public meetings along the Interstate 44 corridor to allow the public a chance to provide comments and learn about the environmental study of more than 250 miles of the I-44 corridor from the Oklahoma state line to the Franklin/St. Louis County line. Find the full list of dates and locations here.