Express Lane - MHTC approves FY 2027-2031 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan

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View the Express Lane video for the July 9 edition.

Approved STIP details future transportation improvements

Five-year plan funds projects for all modes of transportation

At its July 1 meeting, The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) approved the FY 2027-2031 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

The STIP, prepared annually, lists the specific construction projects MoDOT will undertake with state and regional planning agencies in the next five years. It covers $13 billion of federal and state revenues for all modes of transportation, including highways and bridges, transit, aviation, rail, waterways, bicycle and pedestrian, and also outlines operations and maintenance projects.

This year's program is one of the largest to date and includes additional funding from General Revenue, passed by the Missouri General Assembly and signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe. Funding is allocated for improvements to interstates 70 and 44 as well as improvements to airports and roadways. Of the $13 billion, the STIP details $9.3 billion in contractor awards for road and bridge construction – averaging approximately $1.8 billion per year.

MoDOT maintains 33,814 miles of highway and 10,427 bridges and culverts, which makes the comprehensive STIP approval process an important part of its mission to deliver the program and serve the traveling public. Since transportation needs outweigh funding availability, the goal with each new STIP is to work with the public to determine which projects provide the greatest return on investment to taxpayers.

The draft version of the STIP received 65 comments during its public review. The projects in the approved program highlight the top priority taxpayers have asked for: preventive maintenance improvements to keep the existing system in good condition. Other priorities include projects that improve safety and reliability, spur economic growth and provide more transportation choices.

The approved 2027-2031 STIP is now available to view on MoDOT's website.

Law enforcement on lookout during Operation Safe Driver Week

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's Operation Safe Driver Week is scheduled for July 12-18 with a focus on improving driver behaviors through education and outreach. Law enforcement will be pulling over drivers engaging in risky behaviors such as speeding, unsafe lane changes, and distracted or impaired driving. Data shows law enforcement interactions have a strong impact on reducing reckless driving behavior. Learn more.

Celebrate a new connection between Missouri and Illinois

The Missouri and Illinois Departments of Transportation will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the Don Welge Memorial Bridge (formerly Chester Bridge) Saturday, July 11 at 11 a.m. The ceremony is open to the public and will take place on the Missouri side of the newly constructed bridge over the Mississippi River. A public bridge walk will start at 9 a.m. for interested attendees and continue after the ribbon cutting. Learn more.

Prevent a hot car tragedy - never leave your child in the car

In 2025, 31 children died of heatstroke in vehicles. You might think it could never happen to you, but all it takes is one distraction to make you think your child is right behind you. Every time you get out of your car, make sure all passengers are accounted for and the car doors are locked. Temperatures inside a car can become deadly in minutes, especially for small children more susceptible to overheating. Learn more to help prevent hot car deaths.

Reminder: Shape future Express Lane content with a short survey

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Improve I-70 Monthly Report - June 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.

June's report includes a recap of the Lefholz Road Bridge ribbon cutting ceremony, a video of the demolition of the Providence Road Bridge in Columbia, progress updates on Improve I-70: Warrenton to Wentzville and more.