The Missouri Department of Transportation took shovel to ground celebrating the beginning of the “Improve I-70” program.

Director Eric Kopinski said in his opening remarks, “MoDOT is thrilled for this day, we’re excited for this day,” explaining this project will improve the mobility and safety of I-70.

In this program, MoDOT will be adding a third lane to nearly 200 miles in both directions of Interstate 70 from Wentzville to Blue Springs. Thursday’s groundbreaking starts the program by beginning with a 20-mile segment of I-70 stretching between Columbia and Kingdom City (U.S. Route 63 and Route 54). In addition to adding a third lane in both directions, both I-70 interchanges at Routes 63 and 54 will see improvements.

Missouri’s General Assembly approved the budget for fiscal year 2024 and Governor Mike Parson signed the budget into law providing the $2.8 billion for adding the additional lanes across the state.

Governor Parson thanked many during the groundbreaking, “I want to thank Ed and his engineers for what they do across the state.” He also went on speaking about infrastructure being a core part of his plan since he first became governor, “It effects everybody. Take politics to the side for just a second. Infrastructure is not a democrat or republican issue whatsoever. It’s about making the state better for people.”

MoDOT expects the Improve I-70 construction to last four to five years. 

Bob Leingang, the Executive Vice President and Chief Engineer of Millstone Weber requests patience, “we will have narrow lanes. We will have lane shifts, to improve this stretch of I-70. It’s a multiyear job. It’s going to take some time. So please have some patience with us. Slow down. Buckle up. Put your phone down. Can’t say that enough, safety is our most important thing out here. We want everybody to return home to their loved ones.”

For more information on the whole program, visit MoDOT’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program website.