Express Lane - MoDOT evaluating new speed limit changes

Click the thumbnail below for a video recap of news across the state.

View the Express Lane video for the Sept. 3 edition.

MoDOT evaluating rural interstate speed limits

Senate Bill 1408, which permits MoDOT to increase the maximum speed limit up to 75 miles per hour on rural interstates, went into effect Aug. 28, but no changes to the speed limit have been made while the department evaluates eligible locations.

Under the new law, MoDOT retains the ability to set highway speed limits and has a responsibility to set limits that are reasonably safe considering the various factors of each roadway. MoDOT aims to complete its evaluations by the end of the year.

The factors being evaluated at each eligible location include:

Passenger vehicle and commercial truck traffic volumes.
Crash history.
Terrain and road design, including existing safety countermeasures.
Existing speed limits of border states in eligible areas near the state line.
Active construction.
Interstate 70’s speed limit will not increase during the historic rebuild and expansion delivered through the Improve I-70 Program. MoDOT will reevaluate this corridor after the program's completion.

As the evaluation is underway, MoDOT reminds drivers to always obey posted speed limits for everyone's safety, especially in the hundreds of work zones across the state that have reduced speed limits.

MoDOT celebrates start of Southwest I-44 Improvements Project

On Aug. 24, MoDOT hosted a groundbreaking ceremony in Springfield for the start of the Southwest I-44 Improvements Project. This project is part of the Forward 44 effort and is expected to be completed in Fall 2031. It includes widening sections of I-44 from Newton County to Laclede County, redesigning major interchanges and improving safety while keeping two lanes open in each direction during peak travel times.

Improve I-70: Truck Parking project breaks ground in Concordia

MoDOT and contractor KCI Construction hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Aug. 26 to kick off the Improve I-70: Truck Parking project. This project will improve and expand truck parking availability in Concordia, Boonville, Mineola and Wright City, adding 255 more truck parking stalls for the thousands of commercial drivers who use the I-70 corridor daily. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2028.

Football fans: plan ahead for a safe game day touchdown

With football season kicking off, MoDOT reminds motorists to stay alert for ongoing construction. Hundreds of work zones are active across the state, from major projects on I-70 and I-44 to moving operations along rural routes and everything in between. Don't bank your travel day on a Hail Mary; plan a route using the Traveler Information Map. Subscribe to e-updates for construction updates sent directly to your phone or inbox. And never drive impaired.

Did you know...litter takes a toll on MoDOT roads and resources?

In 2025, MoDOT spent $13 million and 154,000 labor hours on litter cleanup along Missouri's roadsides. If everyone did their part to prevent or clean up trash, MoDOT could devote those resources to other much-needed areas. A new video highlights the toll trash takes on MoDOT's resources and the environment. You can help Keep Missouri Beautiful through volunteer litter pick up efforts. Businesses and communities can also Sponsor-a-Highway.

Is your child safely secured in the right car seat?

Car crashes continue to be a leading cause of death for children, but properly securing them in the correct car seats for their height and weight can save lives. In Missouri, child passenger safety laws state children under 4 years old or 40 lbs. must be in a child safety seat, and they shouldn't switch to an adult seat belt until reaching 8 years old and 80 lbs. Child passenger safety training courses are available through the National Safety Council.

Improve I-70 Monthly Report - Aug. 2026

Stay in the know with the Improve I-70 Monthly Report

Want to keep up to date on the Improve I-70 Program? This monthly recap focuses on recent project news and construction updates along the Interstate 70 corridor.

August's report includes a video recap of the 70 Years of I-70 ceremony, ribbon-cutting events celebrating completion of the St. Charles Road bridge in Columbia and the MO Route 47 bridge in Warrenton, and construction updates for projects in Blue Springs, Foristell, Columbia, Boonville and more.