Why is this project necessary?

This project will help to improve reliability, safety, infrastructure, and community connectivity. 

• Reliability - consistency of travel for motorists and pedestrians will continue to worsen without much needed changes to the corridor.
• Safety - crashes, involving motorists and pedestrians, will continue to increase without safety improvements.
• Infrastructure – the corridor infrastructure, including bridges, pavement, barrier, and drainage has reached the end of its service life, and needs to be replaced, rehabilitated, or upgraded. Without infrastructure upgrades planned and emergency lane closures for maintenance and repairs, will only increase, adding to further delay for motorists.
• Community Connectivity - improving pedestrian and bicycle facilities is a must and upgrades are needed immediately to better serve the public.

What is the project's budget?

The budget of the Improve I-70 KC project is $237 million.

Will the project impact travel during the World Cup?

During the FIFA World Cup events in June and July of 2026, the contractor-team has committed to keeping three thru lanes of I-70 open to traffic in each direction, to help accommodate the many out-of-town visitors expected for that event.  Any ongoing work along I-70 and the city crossroads will be minimized. 

Why did MoDOT decide on a 10-month closure of I-70?

During 2027, MoDOT plans to close I-70 to thru traffic for ten months to complete the mainline I-70 work.  This work will include the addition of the fourth eastbound I-70 thru lane, the replacement of the mainline I-70 bridges, and reconstruction of mainline I-70 at Benton Blvd and Jackson Ave. MoDOT recognizes this closure of I-70 will have significant impacts to regional traffic.  However, closing I-70 will allow the mainline I-70 work to be completed significantly faster than if the work was done under typical staged construction.  Closing I-70 to perform the work maximizes safety for motorists, pedestrians, and workers and minimizes overall inconvenience to motorists and the local community. 

Where should traffic go during the 10-month I-70 closure?

During the I-70 closure, regional and commuter traffic will be detoured to adjacent interstates.  Nearly all city crossroads along the corridor will be open at this time to best accommodate local traffic and pedestrians.  MoDOT will continue to work with the City of Kansas City, KCATA, emergency services, schools, and other partners to plan for and mitigate traffic impacts on regional and local roadway systems. 

How will the project improve pedestrian/bicycle access?

Existing pedestrian facilities within the project along city crossroads where bridges are replaced, will be updated to meet ADA standards and accommodate the KC Bike Plan.  The project will add local roadway and pedestrian connections along the corridor.

What is being done about the "Benton Curve" and the "Jackson Curve"?

The curves near Benton Blvd. and Jackson Ave. will be reconstructed and brought up to current design standards. The changes will allow traffic to safely travel at the posted 55mph speed limit.

Why is so much brush being removed along the corridor?

Brush and trees are being cleared (March 2025) along the corridor in preparation for the rest of the Improve I-70 KC project. The clearing is taking place in areas that will require grading and in areas where utility work will be taking place as part of the project.

Is this project part of the Statewide Improve I-70 Program?

No.  While this project is funded separately from the Statewide Improve I-70 Program, which will add a third lane in each direction of I-70 between Blue Springs and Wentzville, the Improve I-70 Kansas City project is one of several projects that will modernize the I-70 corridor across the state. 

What is Design-Build?

Design-build is a delivery method that includes hiring one contracting team to complete the design work and build the highway improvement under one contract. MoDOT provides the project goals, budget and schedule and the contractor team completes the work. This technique has been known to significantly save time and provide cost savings.